Showguide 2

WARNING: THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS NICOTINE. NICOTINE IS AN ADDICTIVE CHEMICAL.

LETTER FROM THE

It is just five months since the last Vaper Expo UK and the landscape has changed almost beyond recognition since then.

What is happening in America right now is beyond belief. The vape industry is being punished for something which is not its fault. Politicians are falling over each other to be the first to ban everything with the word “vape” in it, and are aided and abetted by a mainstream media eager to paint vaping in the worst possible light.

I have even heard politicians refer to the spate of deaths and illnesses which has swept the US recently as VAPI - Vaping Associated Pulmonary Injury - which is about as misleading as it is possible to get. People throughout the USA are literally being scared into giving up vaping and businesses face a bleak and uncertain future.

If the ultimate aim is to drive people back to smoking or to buying untested bootleg products then it is already working. If it is to stop people getting sick and dying then it is doomed from the start.

I think this will be a hot topic of debate during this Vaper Expo and quite rightly so.

We are so lucky in Europe to have a regulatory framework which has allowed the industry to flourish and get smokers off cigarettes. We must all support our friends and colleagues in the USA and to stop the madness which has taken hold there from spreading around the world. We have dealt with opposition and ignorance before and we can deal with it again. Let’s all have a great Expo and get fully immersed in everything that these three days have to offer. Events like this can show the world the great good that a community like ours is doing. Remember together we are strong. #TogetherWeAreVape.

Products in this magazine may not be used, bought or reviewed by any individual under 18 years old. Vapouround does not support the use of e-cigarettes and devices for individuals under the age of 18 years old; by reading this magazine, you are indicating that you are over 18 years old. Vapouround does not endorse the inappropriate application or misuse of nicotine, smoking or product abuse of any form. We do not claim that e-cigarettes and nicotine devices will help cure smokers’ nicotine addiction and as such, we cannot take responsibility for any effect products advertised in our magazine may have on users’ nicotine consumption. There is no guarantee that products in this magazine including e-cigarettes and nicotine devices will stop you smoking. The opinions in this magazine are solely those of the writers. Vapouround takes no responsibility and rejects all liability for third party reviews or opinion pieces by external agencies. All trademarks, registered or otherwise of products in this magazine are the property of respective owners. To use trademarks, please contact the company directly, who will advise you further.

LETTER FROM THEOrganisers

The Vaper Expo UK is back for its second instalment of 2019 and we aim to make it our most memorable yet.

Having organised the show for nearly five years, we still get the same excitement and buzz that we felt back in 2015 at the very first show. The landscape of vaping may have changed a lot in that time but the fundamental reason as to why we began in the first place hasn’t. Our aim is to give companies the platform to showcase their amazing products to retailers and consumers, whilst giving every attendee an experience they won’t forget.

To first time visitors, whether you still smoke or have just begun vaping, we recommend asking the exhibitors any vape-related questions you may have. The wealth of knowledge they possess will be invaluable to someone starting out on a smokefree life.

The negative press that vaping receives will always be there (and we all have our opinions as to why that is). Most recently it has been from the

most ridiculous knee-jerk reactions regarding what has happened in the United States. We see this negativity on our own social media time-line, where people question: “How safe is vaping?” The simple thing to do as a community is to continue to educate people on all aspects of vaping from the facts published by Public Health England to explaining Ohm’s Law.

The UK is the shining light in the world when it comes to vaping and all of us can help create a smoke-free society with a safer alternative to cigarettes, which we all know has worked for us.

The Vaper Expo UK is proud to be part of the UK vape community and would like to welcome you to this October’s show.

Cox - Managing Director Lee Skelding - Managing Director

Jay

Letter from the Editor

Letter from the Organisers 06 08

Features and Attractions

Q&A with the organisers

A Look back at May’s event

Front Cover Spread: Red Liquids Red Box spotlight feature Vaping Entrepreneur Ask the scientist

State of the Nation

Diary of an Expo Vaper Victor Mullin column

What exhibitors said about the Expo

First timer’s guide to the Vaper Expo Expo Nerds

What the public think of the May expo Vaper Expo Awards

72 76 82 86 90 94 98 102 106 110 112 114 118 122 123 124 125

Meet the hosts

Seven things only vapers understand Vapouround Bus at the show B2B day - How it’s different Interview: Paul from Endless Mods Battery safety What Together We Are Vape is all about Voices of Reason Events and Seminars Timetable Meeting the Media Images from past shows US lung injury crisis VapExpo Las Vegas preview Asmodus Minikin 3 Advken Wanderlust Lite Hangsen IQ Viva Kit Smok Novo kit

REVIEWS

126 128 130 131 132 133 134 136 137 138 140 140 142 143 143 144 145 148 150

Voopoo Vinci Vype ePod Wismec Preva Motivape Mojo Yooz Pod AMC Mods Haka Hexa V2.0 Vapefly Gungnir Cloudy O Funky Flavour Art Air Factory Zap Juice Wanna Vapor Juccier by Jucee Fresh Farms Drip Hacks Grizwalds Eclypse Firehouse Vape

by COIL JUICE Co.

Features & Attractions

There’s plenty to keep you occupied all weekend at the UK’s biggest vape event

Pre-Show Party: 9.30am - 10am Saturday and Sunday

Join us in our holding area for a pre-show party with hosts Johnnie Lovell and Ashley Hansen. A must-see spectacle with exhibitor giveaways.

Main Stage

The world-famous Vaper Expo Main Stage hosts giveaways, live acts and performances from your most-loved brands from around the globe.

Make sure to be there at 1pm on Sunday for our show awards.

Modders and Builders Gallery

Vape Escape

Take five minutes to relax, unwind and rest your feet in our exclusive Vape Bar.

VIP Area

This exclusive area can only be accessed with a VIP lanyard. This is also where VIPs can relax before the show opens before heading onto the expo floor ahead of the crowds at 9.30am.

Merchandise Stand

Showcasing the very best in custom-built

mods and coils. Buy premade coils or get yours built while you wait from some of the finest coil builders in the industry.

Seminar Theatre

B2B Day

Listen to talks on the latest regulations, policies and industry talking points from some of the vape industry’s most knowledgeable advocates and corporates.

Consumer Days

If blowing the largest clouds possible is your thing, be sure to enter our cloud competition on social media. While here you can also learn about battery safety, Ohm’s Law and much more from some of the world’s best mod-makers and coil builders.

VapeTube/Vaper Expo Media Area

Get up close and personal with your favourite reviewers. The area also hosts B2B meetings arranged by VapeTube with the world’s biggest reviewers.

Bar and Chill Area

Grab a drink and a bite to eat.

This is located in the Modders and Builders Gallery. Pick up your VIP goody bag loaded with juice and merch. If you haven't visited as a VIP this time, pick up a Vaper Expo t-shirt or Snapback and be part of the Expo family.

The Vaper Expo Robot

Grab a photo with the Vaper Expo Robot, upload it to social media and tag us to be in with a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to our May show at the NEC!

iNFiNiTi iNFiNiTi can be found wondering the pre-show party, where he will entertain the crowds with his unique brand of street magic.

The Birmingham magician will destroy your mind and then destroy your mind some more. Welcome to iNFiNiTi… Magic & Beyond. This is Magic without limits. Making the impossible possible.

The Vapouround Bus

You’ll find this Vaper Expo staple near the stage. Prepare to be wowed by the world-famous smoking-cessation service on wheels. If you’re with a smoker, be sure to take them along to exchange their packet of cigarettes for a vape starter kit to help them begin their smoke-free life.

Sponsored by

About

YOOZ is the brand of Beijing Qiwu Technology, which is an e-cigarette tech company founded in China, dedicated to creating new vaping experiences for our customers, whose major businesses cover e-cigarette research, development, design and sales.

Q&A

WITH VAPER EXPO

UK ORGANISERS JAY COX AND LEE SKELDING

What does The Vaper Expo have in store for you this weekend? We sat down with the event organisers to get the background on all things Expo – and got their opinion on the US situation, too.

What can visitors expect this weekend?

Jay: As always, we will have our professional B2B day on Friday where we have also requested all exhibitors not to play any music at all.

Lee: On Saturday and Sunday we will have everything a consumer visitor could want: from live acts on stage, to cloud competitions in our theatre area. We have also been told by some exhibitors that they are launching new products at the show, so be sure to keep a look out!

How will it differ from the May Expo?

Jay: Every show we try and add something new for the visitors, this time around we have added our seminar and theatre area. On our B2B day this will host numerous talks from industry experts; then on the two consumer days it will host cloud competitions, talks on battery safety, Ohm’s Law and much more. Be sure to check out the timetable in this show guide.

Lee: We have also added a Modders’ and Builders’ Area. We have always had a build area at the show but have now doubled the size so that modders will be able to showcase their amazing work.

What’s the deal with the cloud competition?

Jay: Cloud competitions will be in the theatre area on both Saturday and Sunday, hosted by Paul Harrison from Endless Mods who will also give talks on safety when building on RDAs. This will also be a feature on his stand where he or some of his staff will be giving tutorials, rewrapping batteries and educating visitors on all aspects of advanced vaping.

Which part of the weekend are you most excited about?

Lee: The show has so many aspects I enjoy but if I had to choose one it would always be the main stage. The giveaways, live acts and entertainment really do create a brilliant atmosphere.

Jay: For me I would go for the opening ceremony on the Saturday; all our hard work has led to that moment when Johnnie and Ashley count us down. The relief and excitement when everyone is inside is a great feeling.

Any advice for Expo first timers?

Lee: Try and gain as much knowledge from the exhibitors as possible. These people are leaders in the industry and are always happy to answer any questions and pass on everything they know.

Jay: If they still smoke then they should head straight for the Vapouround bus where they can trade in their cigarettes for a starter kit.

What are your thoughts on the situation and news coming out of the US currently?

Jay: Bad press has always followed vaping. I urge anyone who takes the news in the US at face value to do their own research; listen to Public Health England, the Royal College of Physicians and their own doctors. Smoking kills millions of people around the world every year and vaping is a safer alternative to cigarettes and a great way to lead a healthier life.

Lee: We are lucky here in the UK that our government takes our health seriously. Vaping has been proven to be at least 95 percent less harmful than cigarettes and is backed by our leading experts. The misinformation that has come out of the US is really worrying, as it may make people think twice about making the switch to a safer alternative. I echo what Jay just said and urge people to do their own research instead listening to the press.

How do you think the Vaper Expo can help to combat this bad press?

Jay: We want smokers to come to the show and learn about vaping, ask questions to everyone they meet and go home realising how much it could save their life.

Lee: Every vaper should tell people the proven facts given to us by our leading experts. We try to do that on a large scale with the show; from our seminars we put on at the Expo, to literature we release through our online platforms.

Where

Words : Gordon Stribling

As ever, Friday was the B2B day while the evening was reserved for the fourth annual Vapouround Awards. The ceremony saw 600 guests celebrating the best and brightest of our industry while enjoying a truly extraordinary show that featured all the glitz, glamour, music and magic that the event has become known for. If you work in the industry then keep an eye on our social media platforms for details of the next Vapouround Awards.

If any bleary-eyed exhibitors had hoped to be eased into their Saturday, they were in for a nasty shock. After being fired up in the waiting area by hosts Johnnie Lovell and Ashley Hansen, the first wave of attendees burst onto the show floor for a truly unforgettable

Certain trends define each expo and May’s event was no exception. Juice companies are known to dominate the expo circuit but there was plenty of hardware to keep even the hardware junkies and hobbyists happy this time.

The Build Area was also incredibly busy all weekend, with countless vapers taking advantage of the expertise of the build team. The Build Area has now evolved into the Modders and Builders Gallery, where modders will be able to showcase their custom mods alongside the coil builders.

The Media Meet and Greet area was a huge draw, thanks, in no small part, to VapeTube and the streaming community who have become a huge part of the expo experience.

Vapers got to quiz their favourite personalities on the Sunday, which proved to be a highlight for many attendees. Catch you favourite streamers in the Media Area again this weekend.

Also on the Sunday we had the final of the Vapouround Cup, where Horizon Vape Distro emerged victorious over Red Liquids. They had already picked up three Vapouround gongs on the Friday so they must have gone home very happy!

No two Vaper Expos are the same. What will this event’s story be?

QUINTESSENTIALLY BRITISH

Red Liquids is pleased to be attending the Vaper Expo for the third time in a row, first as a relative newcomer with exciting development plans and now as one of the fastest-growing e-liquids distributors in the UK. We see the Red Liquids brand, and indeed that of our growing sister businesses Red Box Vape and Red Box Vape on-line (the retail store outlets and e-commerce capabilities respectively), as standing for something quintessentially British – with our iconic imagery of red telephone boxes, red buses and the union flag. This positioning of our brand is vital to the growth of the business, both organically and through our acquisition strategy. With the current backdrop of fatalities and illness in the US as a result of use of illegal substances, the quality controls imposed on British manufacturers serve to make e-liquids manufactured in the UK subject to the highest levels of quality control – the gold standard, if you will.

We are very pleased that our brand development strategy is being noticed and our promotions team ‘Red Liquid Girls’ have played their part in securing customer engagement. We have won three awards, were runner up in one and were also shortlisted for one:

Middle East Vape Show 2019 – Best Stand of the Year Vape South America 2019 – Best Stand Vapouround – Best up and coming brand 2019 Vapouround – Runner up – Best branding and marketing 2019 Vapouround – Shortlist for Best Juice of the Year 2019 It’s only been one year since the launch of our e-liquids range. We have launched 21 Vape, Red CBD and slush in addition to our Classics, Salts and 50/50, 40/60 ranges. And we have more in the locker with 21 Salts coming soon. Our mixologists are continuing to research and develop flavours for our customer base.

Red Liquids, although having a strong domestic strategy, has an eye on the global development of the brand and attended 15 international vape expos in the last 12 months. This has led to deals with distributors, including some of the largest in the vape industry, which now sees the range being sold across five continents – with a mix of routes to market including wholesale, retail and e-commerce.

Of particular success has been our acquisition strategy, spearheaded by Red Box Vape. From a standing start, through acquisition and modest growth we are on target for 44 retail stores throughout the country this year and over 100 stores by the close of 2020.

We also believe in harnessing the power of all our colleagues working in the community for the common good – to champion calibration of quality standards throughout the industry, something that is becoming increasingly important as a balance is struck between facilitating smokers’ journeys to give up smoking with ensuring vaping is a responsible solution. The need for the industry to act as one voice to educate consumers and address over-exited journalism reporting the dangers of vaping in the US being a case in point.

We are therefore delighted that our Managing Director Mark Shaw has been invited to join the Board of the IBVTA (Independent British Vape Trade Association) representing the Red Box Group. Red Box will also be hosting a round table discussion over dinner at the Vaper Expo with industry colleagues as the first in a number of such discussions to harness collective experience at the coal face. Last, but not least, we are pleased to report that Red Liquids will be participating in the launch of a new collaboration with nzo at this year’s Vape Expo. nzo is a new generation pod system – a sleek, modern and portable device with, like the Red Box group, an exciting global future. Red Liquids is delighted to be providing a range of e-liquids for the pod system and to be working collegiately at the nzo launch.

Working for consumer confidence. A common cause.

The Independent British Vape Trade Association has stated: The UK has a legitimate, credible and responsible vaping industry, which has been subject to stringent regulatory requirements for over three-and-a-half years now. Responsible businesses operate on an open book basis and act collaboratively with regulators to make sure that they are selling the safest products possible to their customers.

“Now is the time for the independent industry to come together to robustly defend our life changing product set. Independent businesses like our own were the ones who brought vaping to the UK, and have a long term interest in ensuring vaping fulfils its full potential. We understand the consumer, and are best placed to create the products that will inspire smokers to switch to vaping. We must all work together to ensure that all smokers have this opportunity.”

Matthew Kersey, PR & Regulatory Manager, independent vape business

Red Liquids is proud of its British heritage as it strives to improve quality standards throughout the industry

bans on flavoured e-liquids will not tackle the deaths linked to underground counterfeit THC vaping and make smokers switch back to cigarettes which are proven to be life threatening.”

Tej Maini, Chief Executive, Flawless UK

“Headlines can be so damaging, putting at risk the health of so many smokers debating whether to give up and switch to vaping.

All experts accept that vaping is not without risk but also believe that for smokers there is no situation where it would be better to continue smoking rather than switching completely to vaping

At Red Liquids, we work to the strictest of regulations and are extremely proud that all of our liquids are manufactured in the UK at our facility in Manchester – they’re really put to the test and our details are publicly available on the MHRA website as a company that submits products. Like all UK vape companies adopting this process we offer full transparency and the highest levels of corporate governance.”

Mark Shaw, Managing Director, Red Box Group

SPOTLIGHT ON... RED LIQUIDS

Now on their third Expo appearance, Red Liquids are kicking things up a gear.

Words: Phoebe Fuller

Red Liquids are a young company, having won the Vapouround award for ‘Best Up and Coming Brand’ in May. However, in such a short space of time, they’ve carved out a space all of their own, in this ever-competitive industry.

With British manufacturing and the quality that goes alongside it, Red Liquids are proud of their heritage and this is one of the reasons that the Vaper Expo is their favourite show.

Managing Director Mark Shaw said: “We have been to shows all around the world and this is one of our favourites. It is in the British market where we’re based and also the fact that it’s such a big and lively show, it’s probably one of the best shows you can go to.”

Using the Expo as a learning opportunity, Mark says that Red Liquids always use the B2B day to get an idea from other businesses about their take on the industry and where it’s heading; as well as using the rest of the weekend to connect with consumers.

He says: “It’s multifaceted in the sense that we get both stances and that’s the most exciting part of the Expo: we’ve got both of those

communities within the industry under one roof. The Vaper Expo is such a large show and it’s so prominent.”

Being such a large show makes the Vaper Expo the perfect starting point for anyone new to the world of vaping, or even someone who’s new to trade shows, according to Mark.

“There’s a lot to see and a lot to learn and the Expo. I remember at my first Expo I was amazed at its size, reach and the variety available to the consumer, I think consumers should attend the talks that are being held to educate themselves; and businesses should visit the IBVTA.”

Finding out about how vaping helps people is a big talking point this time around, as the industry has been hit with such negative press over the last few months. However, Mark says that Red Liquids hasn’t felt the effects of that as much as some other brands.

He says: “We don’t seem to have been affected and I think that’s due to the fact that we push our brand as being a British brand, British manufactured, of the highest quality.

“British liquids are the gold standard and we’re very proud of that,

we want to make sure that everyone’s aware that our liquids are compliant and we’re keen to push that message out.”

For the past few shows, Red Liquids will have been remembered for their iconic giant red telephone box stands and their London bus parked in the reception hallway accompanied by the Red Liquids Girls. This year, Red Liquids are part of the Expo’s Platinum Sponsorship and they’ll also be pushing a launch that is their biggest yet – a collaboration with nzo (www.nzovape.com) a pod device filled with Red Liquid’s juice.

Mark said: “That will be forming part of our stand: nzo with Red Liquids, so that’s going to be all over the place and we’ll be shouting really loudly about it. We’re going to be giving away nzo with a unique incentive for the vape market.”

With a successful soft launch in Red Box vape shops, the team are confident that nzo and Red Liquids will be well received at the Expo.

It is, however, shrouded in mystery until the big reveal; so, head over to their stand to get your hands on a device. is, however, shrouded in mystery until the big reveal; so, head over to their stand to get your hands on a device.

We have been to shows all around the world and this is one of our favourite shows.

Vaping w

WITH GORAN KRSTIC OF KAPKA’S FLAVA ENTREPRENEUR

With one simple idea, Goran Krstic – the much-copied flavourist behind Kapka’s Flava – became a household name in the German vaping industry. Words: Phoebe Fuller

Kapka’s Flava began in 2016 when owner, Goran Krstic, who’d been vaping since 2015, became bored of one-note e-liquid flavours and decided that he wanted to literally mix things up on the scene.

He says: “I decided that it’s a bit boring to just vape something like strawberry or blueberry, so I started mixing. I was also trying to do something that nobody else had on the market in Germany: the cooling effect.”

Putting his signature ‘cooling effect’ into three e-liquids – Thorn, Red Death and Mythoclast – with results that he was sure would become a hit, Kapka’s Flava was born.

“People just liked it, they liked my stuff more and more and I knew I had to bring new stuff on the market, so the Kapka’s line has grown bigger and bigger,” Goran says.

This growth has seen Kapka’s build up an impressive arsenal of flavours, with tastes for every palate in mind – from fruits, to desserts and even booze-infused puddings – Goran has continued to innovate and explore unusual flavour combinations.

So popular are his flavours, in fact, that some of his once-limitededition creations have become permanent additions to his evergrowing product line. Enter: Cold Heart, with pomegranate and sour lemon and Storm, mixing vanilla ice cream and syrup.

“Every time, when I brought some new stuff out, people asked me about these flavours, so I decided to give up their limited edition status and make them serial products. So, Storm and Cold Heart are now available forever,” Goran says.

Every single Kapka’s flavour has been thought up and mixed by Goran himself, keeping his team small and his flavour department even smaller, which has earned him an enviable reputation.

He says: “There is no one else coming here and telling me that they have a new idea; the flavours are just from me. Like with my cooling effect, nobody else [in Germany] had it.

“My other big thing was the Drunken Pudding flavour; nobody had a pudding with rum inside, but I created it and, now, other companies have said they could do it also. I’m one of the most copied flavourists in Germany.”

Kapka’s is certainly a small and mighty brand, producing half a million 10ml concentrates for the German market annually, as well as having a presence in France, Italy and Spain. Given this popularity of Goran’s flavours, he’s also started accepting outside projects – putting his mixing skills to work for other brands, who can then sell his flavours under their name. These projects are certainly set to push Kapka’s to greater heights, as Goran is booked solid for the next two years on what he describes as “flavourising” for outside companies. And his next goal? Conquering the UK market, of course.

“There is no one else coming here and telling me that they have a new idea; the flavours are just from me.”

Photo from the Hall of Vape Expo, Stuttgart, Germany

ASK THE SCIENTIST Batteries and how they work

Words : Richard Cunningham, PhD

E-cigarettes work by rapidly heating up an e-liquid to transform it into an aerosolised vapour which can then be inhaled. Metal coils, which are typically used as heating elements, can reach temperatures ranging from 110185°C (when fully wet) and one or more batteries are used as an energy source.

A battery is a device which stores chemical energy that can then be converted into electricity. At the basics, batteries consist of two electrodes, an anode, cathode and electrolyte. The anode is usually carbon and the cathode a metal oxide and between them is the electrolyte which is a substance that allows the flow of electrical charge between them. The electrodes are separated by a polymer sheet which still allows the movement of ions through the electrolyte but prevents the electrodes coming in contact.

In order to produce electricity, you must have somewhere for electrons to flow. During the discharge of electricity such as powering an e-cigarette and a full external circuit is made, the anode releases electrons and ions from the electrolyte, while at the same time the cathode accepts electrons, completing the circuit.

Lithium ion-based batteries are the mainstay in powering e-cigarettes, wherein Li2+ ions control the chemistry, producing current.

The cathodes of these batteries consist of various lithium transition metal oxides such as Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC), while the anodes are most often made from graphite, a form of carbon.

When first produced, these batteries are in a state of discharge, all the lithium ions are located at the metal oxide cathode, and the battery has no ability to produce current and therefore needs to be charged through the application of an external power source. During this process lithium at the cathode undergoes a reaction called oxidation, where the lithium loses some negatively charged electrons. An equivalent quantity of Li2+ will move into the electrolyte and migrates towards to anode, were they become embedded in the porous structure of the anode in a process called intercalation along with electrons in a process called reduction. During discharge/powering of a device, oxidation occurs at the anode, where lithium ions become detached and travel back towards the cathode through the electrolyte. During this process, electrons are released from the anode and, in turn, flow through the wires of a connected device and provide an electrical current.

When the cathode becomes saturated with lithium ions the reaction then stops, and must therefore be recharged once more through the application of an external current moving the Lithium ions back to the anode.

Between the cathode and anode is the electrolyte which usually in the case of a Li-Ion battery consists of a solution comprising of organic solvents and lithium salts. As the electrolyte solution already contains lithium ions, they do not have to make a complete journey from cathode to anode and vice versa, speeding up the process.

Why does the battery life decrease over time?

Over time, physical and mechanical changes occur to the electrodes, diminishing their capacity. The anodes can chemically react with electrolyte solvents such as dimethyl carbonate. When a battery is new, reactions occur between the graphite and organic solvents of the electrolyte forming a layer called the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) which consists of lithium oxide and lithium carbonates. This prevents further side reactions from occurring, while remaining permeable to lithium ions. However, during charge/discharge cycles, new sites become available for reaction at the anode, resulting in a process which continuously reduces the capacity of the battery through the increasing thickness of the SEI layer. The cathode can also undergo similar degradation through the formation of a restrictive layer which is enhanced under high temperatures called electrolyte oxidation. Another process that can diminish the capacity of a battery is through thermal decomposition of the electrolyte.

As such, rechargeable Li-ion batteries have a limited life and manufactures often state an estimated life expectancy on batteries after which they should be replaced.

About the scientist:

Dr Richard Cunningham has a PhD in medicinal chemistry from Queen’s University Belfast where he also worked as post-doctoral researcher for a number of years before working in the US at the Mitchell Cancer Institute in Alabama. Among his areas of expertise are organic synthesis, nucleosides, nucleotides, cellular biology, vitamins, aminoglycosides, drug delivery, phosphorous chemistry and chemical analysis. He is now the director of quality at Liquid Sciences LLC in the UK.

a look at the latest research and expert opinion in the field of e-cigarettes from around the country. Here are some key facts from that research: E-cigarettes are three times more effective than nicotine patches or gum.

[Cancer Research UK-funded study by University College London]

[Internal and Emergency Medical Journal]

The use of e-cigarettes in quit attempts is similar across all socioeconomic groups.

[Public Health England]

Smokers can save as much as £800 per year by switching to vaping.

[University College London]

A THIRD OF SMOKERS IN THE UK ARE LOOKING TO SWITCH TO VAPING.

50,000 100,000 additional ex-smokers a year.’

[Action on Smoking and Health] CIGARETTE SMOKING PREVALENCE IS AT AN ALL-TIME LOW OF 15.2 PERCENT IN ENGLAND. [Smoking Toolkit Study]

THE UK HAS THE SECOND BIGGEST E-CIGARETTE MARKET IN THE WORLD (BEHIND THE USA.)

[Euromonitor International]

[Action on Smoking and Health survey of e-cigarette-use among young people]

[Cancer Research UK]

NOT A SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS NEVER SMOKED REPORTED VAPING DAILY

DiaryOF AN EXPO VAPER

Featuring Vaper Expo rep Andy King aka Dripilisticvapeyclouds

Me and my mates started nicking packets of cigarettes from my mate’s parents’ when I was about 13. We used to smoke at school or in the woods. It started off as peer pressure but then I went off on my own and carried on. The longest time I quit was about a year and then I started again because I missed opening the packet of cigarettes.

Mad, I know.

When I was about 29, vaping came across my radar. I thought it was just a fad but I started watching YouTube videos about it and how the devices worked.

After I’d done the research, I picked up KangerTech Subox

Mini from a vape shop a mate worked in. It was the day after my 30th birthday. I’ve not touched a cigarette since.

I have a heart condition but I hadn’t realised how unhealthy I was at the time. But through vaping, I stopped wheezing and could breathe better. Better still, I could run around with my daughter.

I started taking pictures of stuff I bought and began getting friendly with the guys at Vape Town UK, including John @ prendi.vape who used to work there. We started liking each other’s Instagram posts and then Vape Town became my first official sponsor. I ran their Instagram and took pictures of their products.

Then I started linking up with other companies. If I like a brand, I want to photograph their bottles and their artwork. I want to see what I can create with what they’re doing.

I was working with lots of big companies and things were taking off, so it was taking up a lot of time. It was tough to balance the whole Instagram thing with family time and everything else.

I’ve got a full-time job and a family, so I had to take a step back and now I work with about three or four companies that are regulars.

I used to do a lot of outdoor stuff. Now, I do a lot of indoor flat lay stuff like the colour-coded stuff. It’s all set up in our bedroom, much to the dismay of my wife.

I remember by first Vaper Expo. I just walked through the door and thought ‘Oh my God!’ This wasn’t just about it being vapeorientated. The atmosphere was incredible. Everyone seemed so happy and friendly and from all walks of life and they were all there for the same thing. With so much anger and violence in the world it was great to be at a place where everyone was happy and contented.

I’ve met lifelong friends at Vaper Expo. Most of the friends I have now I met there, like Dan UK Vapour Shaper, Andy Vapor Mafia and Lee and Jay from Vaper Expo.

Dan contacted me and said: “Look, they’re going to get some reps together and they wondered if you were up for it.” I snapped the words out of his mouth. “I’m on it. I’ll do it. I love it. Expo is just life.”

I go to every expo I can and take photos for them. I turn up as early as possible on Friday and then go around shooting the event and socialising and I absolutely love it. I also run their Instagram account alongside Dan and Andy.

I think of my Expo weekends as my break away from normality. It’s my heaven. It’s Andy time.

I can just be me and not have to worry about anything else and just be with my mates and like-minded people. Just chill out and have a couple of drinks, eat too much food and talk vaping and nonsense with like-minded people.

A lot of people know who I am. I’m not very famous but a lot of people approach me, whether that be for a selfie or whatever. It’s all friends. I love doing it. I absolutely enjoy communicating with people within the vape industry. I see it from many different angles. I see it from a professional point of view and a vaper’s point of view.

I’m super excited for my break away from the mundane everyday stuff that we do full-time. It’s so nice to get away and do something special with your mates. I mean who wouldn’t like that? It’s all about the community and that’s awesome.

THE RISE…AND RISE OF

The Vaper Expo UK

It is October, generally regarded as the month that the “Expo Season” in the UK draws to a close…and with The Vaper Expo UK at the NEC it really does so in fine style.

Words: Columnist Victor Mullin

The growing scope of The Vaper Expo UK is in stark contrast to what is currently happening in the plethora of expos over in the US and the stark decline of the other expos and meets here in the UK.

Last year there was a much larger Vape Jam, there was Vape Fest, Vape Collective and a handful of other events scattered across the summer months in the UK. This year however, has seen a marked decline in the other events, while Vaper Expo continues to expand.

Over in the United States, a marked decline in footfall into the many events there, has seen some organisers saying on Facebook that there may not be as many expos in the United States next year as there has been this year. So where does that leave folks who are reading this article? The shop owner, the wholesaler and the general vaper who like to attend these events?

It leaves us now concentrating on the major marquee events and that is exactly what Vaper Expo is. For years this event was the singular stand out expo for the UK and Europe. It attracted a lot of reviewers from the US like Mike Vapes, The Vapor Chronicles and others. They have stated publicly that they enjoy the UK events more than the events in the US.

Others have caught on to the sheer scale of The Vaper Expo UK, with the likes of the Hall of Vape over in Germany being one of the up coming stand-out events for mainland Europe. The good thing is, not only has Hall of Vape learned from the Vaper Expo, but the UK event is learning from the Hall of Vape.

As always the UK reviewers will be showing up in force in a revamped and expanded media area for reviewers, vloggers, writers, bloggers and general industry commentators. From a personal standpoint I will more than likely be spending most of my time at that media area, so if you are looking for me, you’ll find me there if I am not wheeling around on my scooter trying not to knock any booths or people over.

The Vaper Expo UK is, for all intents and purposes, more than likely going to be the only major event for vapers in the UK going into the future as I can’t honestly see the return of the number of events we used to have in 2016 to 2018. If you are reading this then you are already at Vaper Expo but be sure to tell your friends about it too. It is a great place for smokers to come and find out what vaping is all about. One thing is for certain - smokers, or anyone else who wants to discover the facts about vaping, will learn more at Vaper Expo than paying attention to the mainstream media.

WHAT EXHIBITORS SAID ABOUT MAY’S Vaper Expo UK

We had a great time meeting exhibitors at May’s Vaper Expo UK event and we always take the time to chat to as many as we can. Here is what a selection of exhibitors said about May’s event.

Geek Vape:

“So far, it’s been great. Many people have come here to check out our new products and they really like the show and the people around here. We appreciate the NEC and The Vaper Expo for hosting this big show and we will come back in October with new products.”

Vape Dinner Lady:

“The May Expo for us is one of the premier vape events of the calendar. The thing that we love most is the interaction with the fans. It’s great meeting with the distributors and it’s great speaking with all of our retailers; we show them as much love as we possibly can – but without the fans and without the people that love Dinner Lady we wouldn’t be here, so for us, this is a great chance to show the love back.”

Vype:

“The Vaper Expo in May gave us the opportunity to speak to many vaping businesses and vapers from around the country to grow our network and build new relations.

“It also gave us the opportunity to showcase Vype ePen 3, our award-winning device, as well as a host of new flavours and nicotine strengths. Finally, it was great to interact with both retailers and consumers about the new vaper market trends and how Vype is leading these.”

Six Licks:

“The favourite thing for Six Licks about the May Vaper Expo is that it feels like the start of the vaper year. As

we move into Spring, palates change and this May expo kicks in at the perfect time.

We start to develop new flavours and ingredients that enable us to further evolve in our vape juices and what our palates can handle. It’s certainly the trigger, it’s the absolute pinnacle of us moving into the next year as vapers.”

Candy King: “It’s one of the largest, it’s the biggest in the UK and it’s an opportunity for us not just to showcase our products but also to meet new clients, meet new customers and build relationships.

We also get the ability to brand ourselves out there and let customers know about the new products that we’re releasing and give them taste tests before it’s even released.”

Romance: “Love the energy, love the people here and it’s a genuinely big community.”

Superior Vapour:

“You get a good mix of crowds and it’s not all just juice, there’s a lot of hardware as well. People are excited to come and see us, that’s probably the main attraction; people that get hyped when you speak to them a long time before the show and they save their money to come and buy stuff when they’re here.”

Lucky Thirteen: “This is the first time we’ve been to the May Expo as we usually do the October Expo. From past experience we do really well, it gets your brand out there and gives you a lot of brand awareness and we seem to do really, really well out of the Expo.

Good atmosphere, good vibe: it’s all good.”

Wick Liquor:

“I think the main thing about the May Expo is the diversity in the new age pod systems and nic salts; it’s just really good to see that emerging genre has become so popular. I think there’s a lot of innovation in that because it’s such a small and portable device.”

Red Liquids:

“It’s the size and the number of exhibitors that we have come to this expo in particular, it’s like a real sense of community and it stands out as one of the big ones.”

IVG:

“We love the fact that we can connect with our home base; we’re a UK-established company and the majority of the people that we meet at the Vaper Expo are from the UK. So, it’s going back to our roots, where we started and the people that showed faith in us from the get-go.

More than anything else it’s about maintaining that connection with the home base and our family in the UK, because without them we wouldn’t be where we are.”

Humble Juice Co:

“It’s a beautiful city, it’s a beautiful event, there’s plenty of great brands here, great distributors – it’s a great place.”

Premier Vaping:

“Vaper Expo is an institution and the May and October events seem to draw a slightly different clientele. October is certainly a bit more lively, with a hyped-up atmosphere with loads of excited consumers.”

A first-timer's guide to

S

o, it’s your first time here at the Vaper Expo? If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, fear not because Vapouround has your back.

First things first, let’s hope you’re wearing some comfortable footwear because you’re going to be walking, a lot. We’d recommend taking a steady amble around the hall to get the lay of the land before making a game plan. Oh yes, you’ll need a game plan.

As you’ve no doubt already noticed: it’s big in here! Take a walk around and make a note of the stands you’ll likely want to return to throughout the day. There’s so much going on that you’ll probably find yourself returning to the same stands at different points. Think you can wing it without your floor plan? Think again. Lucky for you, there’s one in the Vapouround bag you’ve got on your arm, so go and grab a coffee and plan your route around.

Once you’ve figured out where you need to go it’s time to dive in. Patience really is a virtue here, because you’ll be battling crowds; especially if you’re heading to any of the big-name stands.

Talking of stands, some of them truly are works of art. Exhibitors spend months and months planning these ahead of the Expo, so if you can find the right person to speak to then a compliment never goes amiss – don’t be afraid to let your favourite brand know that they’ve impressed you.

Don’t overlook the smaller stands though, especially if you fancy a break from queuing.

The Vaper Expo is where companies debut new technology and

“Let us show you the way…”

products, so you might find something really exciting at a stand for a company you’ve never even heard of. Plus, you’ll be supporting their growth in the industry, a win-win.

Supporting the industry is a big theme this weekend, as vaping is under attack like never before, with a rash of new bans throughout America and further afield. This is something that threatens us all so take the opportunity this weekend to find out what you can to to help protect our industry.

“But what about freebies?” We hear you. Keep your ears pricked for announcements about when to head to the main stage, that’s where you’ll find the big giveaways taking place. Many stands do their own as well, so it’s at least worth an ask while you’re there. There’s a lot going on in here and it’s loud on the Saturday and Sunday, so don’t be afraid to duck out for a break if you need to recharge – re-entry is permitted as long as you keep your pass handy. Besides the eating and drinking areas in the hall itself, the NEC has plenty of eateries and comfy sofas dotted around the place, so make use of them if you fancy an hour of downtime. Finally, use this opportunity to make friends and learn new things. You’ll find that everyone here is friendly and approachable, so feel free to ask any questions about products or find out more about the industry.

Enjoy your time at the Vaper Expo and we hope to see you back here in May.

Sponsored by TM

EXPO Nerds

m

We spoke to Vapouround’s Vaper Expo veterans to find out what it’s like behind the scenes and on the expo floor.

Here is what they told us.

Steve Culf – Sales Executive

“I go to loads of expos around the world but one thing I like about the Vaper Expo is its location. It’s great to see loads of British brands represented alongside international ones. There are also always plenty of friendly faces around and new information to be shared.”

Lucy Booth – Design and Sales Support

“The Vaper Expo is hectic, manic but a LOT of fun. May 2019 was my first expo, but it was great to see all the vendors and, of course, one of the massive highlights for me was the Vapouround Awards. The expo gives you the chance to become fully immersed in the community.”

been to a show, so I didn’t know what to expect but I was blown away. It’s the best three days I’ve ever done. Six months on I feel like I have enough experience to take this expo on, I’ve got all this knowledge that I’ve learned in the last six months. I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait.”

Joanne Stubley – Finance Director

“My favourite thing about the Vaper Expo is the lead up to the opening. I like seeing all the companies setting up their stands and getting to show off all their hard work. It’s great to see all the businesses that we work closely with, but I also love meeting new companies.”

Ali Shah – Sales Executive

Josh

Tysoe

– Digital Marketing Manager and Videographer

“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses to come together in these trying times, especially our friends across the Atlantic. It’s great we all come together as an industry at a fantastic event to share the newest developments in hardware and juice and all the things involved in vaping.”

Baz

Bassra – Sales Executive

“Vaper Expo in May was very exciting. It was the first time I’d ever

“The Vaper Expo was the first expo I ever attended. I was new to the vaping industry and it really opened my eyes to the way business is done. I built up a lot of contacts and since then I’ve been to a variety of different shows but I’m looking forward to being back on my home turf. The environment is buzzing!”

Kelli Toon – Sales Team Leader

“The atmosphere is exciting, fun and friendly. It is always a laugh and there are always new brands there. It’s always busy and you get to learn new things. When I first went, I didn’t vape, but I learned a lot of

Phoebe Fuller – Journalist

“What I like about the Expo is the energy. Everyone is really friendly and chatty, up for a laugh and wanting to meet new people. Because it’s so busy, the days go by really quickly and you get so much done in what feels like such a short space of time. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the friendly faces I met the first time around.”

Hayley Parker – Design Manager

“One of my favourite bits is when the expo first opens and the hosts are hyping up the crowd and the music is blaring. I prefer the B2C days because the atmosphere is pumping, everyone is there to have a good time and the stage is great. I like seeing all the different branding and seeing how exhibitors have chosen to stand out from the rest.”

Gordon Stribling – Assistant Editor

“The best thing about Vaper Expo is seeing all the familiar faces. The industry is huge these days but somehow everybody seems to know everyone else so it’s great to catch up. I also love the hour or so before it all kicks off. There’s a huge sense of anticipation.”

Zeahna Young – Events and PR Manager

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have attended vape shows all over the world and the Vaper Expo UK remains my favourite. Some of my best memories while working in this industry have been at this show and I’ve made some lifelong friends as a result. Bring it on!”

Benedict Jones – Product Reviewer

“Whether it’s getting your hands on hardware weeks before general

WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT THE EXPO IN MAY

The Vaper Expo wouldn’t be what it is without you guys – the vapers. Here’s what you had to say about the Expo in May…

Daniel Flis, 33, from Coventry: “What I really liked about this expo was that it was very chilled out. There was room to move around and it wasn’t so loud. It was busy which was good, but it was also relaxed so you could hang out with your friends, go and see the vendors and have a chat with people.”

Sarah Litchfield: “This year was my first visit. It was great to see loads of my favourite brands and YouTubers. I loved that everyone was friendly and happy to talk to you about the products they had.”

Hollie Scott from Banbury, Oxfordshire: “Was a great weekend and an amazing experience for any vaper.”

Stuart James from Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire: “What a perfect weekend out for vapers and those looking to start the transition. It’s always lively and everyone is so polite.”

Matthew Western from Exeter, Devon: “Great experience, great vibe.”

Adam Hadley from Quinton, Sandwell: “Really great day out, absolutely loved it. Bring on the October expo.”

Joe Mohammed: “Great weekend! Loads of freebies and cheap vapes. My first one and ready for October!”

Matt Winner from Latham, New York: “This was a phenomenal experience. I highly recommend the Vaper Expo.”

Jeanette Slåbakk from Notodden, Norway: “Everything was awesome, awesome people and an awesome expo from the start to the end.”

Adrian Essex from Leicester: “I had a fantastic first time and I can’t wait for the next one!”

Marie Watson : “My first time and it was brilliant.”

Myles Andy from Cannock, Staffordshire: “Amazing weekend, can’t wait for October.”

Graham Simmons from Salisbury, Wiltshire: “First Expo and this was amazing, could not recommend enough. Best for all aspects of vaping. The community vibe was everywhere and I wish I’d had more time there.”

Chloe Jade from Worcester: “Amazing show!”

Alan Bourne from Ashford, Kent : “Had a fab time.”

Vaper Expo Awards

A look back at some of the best that The Vaper Expo has to offer. The Vaper Expo is where companies pull out all the stops and May was certainly no exception. From intricately-designed stands to carefully curated juices; the awards showcase the weekend’s biggest and best.

Cast your eyes over the previous list of winners. Who will take the glory this time?

Meet the hosts:

JOHNNIE LOVELL AND ASHLEY HANSEN

The tried , tested and perfected duo are back on the Vaper Expo stage where they belong

Words: Lucy MacKinnon

Ashley Hansen - Los Angeleas Lobbyist

Vaper Expo’s seasoned hostess Ashley Hansen brings an equal measure of elegance, education and energy to the NEC twice a year, and now she’s back in Birmingham to do it all again.

From performing with powerful pyrotechnics to eating raw onions on stage, Ashley has seen and done it all at the Vaper Expo.

One of her highlights was using the May expo as a daddy-daughter weekend, sharing all the things she knows and loves with her father, fondly named Papa Tom.

“I was able to introduce Papa Tom to everyone at the NEC and watching him feel so at home on his first international adventure is something I’ll never forget.”

She told us: “I’ve hosted all except the very first, when I was back in the corner introducing Strawberry Queen to the masses” and it’s safe to say, that was a success.

Since then Ashley has made strong friendships and built foundations in the UK and international vaping industries, something she told us fits in with her favourite quote: “May your dreams be so big, you have to reinvent yourself to meet them.”

Bartending through university gave her a passion for ‘liquid pharmacy” and combined with an intrigue in vaping technology and a desire to stop smoking, Ashley made a life-changing move, and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I am a knowledge seeker and I think critically. Being able to deliver that to an audience of people who also crave knowledge and have a passion for our industry is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

Admitting that hosting expos like this one is the only thing that still makes her nervous, Ashley assured us when the show starts “that all instantly goes away and I feel fire.”

And having Johnnie by her side gives this adventurer all the tools she needs. “Johnnie is life goals. Seriously.

“Hosting with him gives me the opportunity to feel free and accepted and sharing our passions with UK vapers together makes me feel united, like I’m part of something greater.”

And now for a fun one…

And Ashley, in a zombie apocalypse what device and juice would you arm yourself with?

“A large mod would be an obvious choice for battle reasons but I’m pretty ferocious on my own. So, for my sanity I’m going to stick with my go-to, the VGOD Summer Strawberry pod and my faithful MYLÉ.”

Johnnie Lovell - BH Vape

Enthusiastically eccentric and wonderfully weird, Johnnie Lovell has attended every Vaper Expo, as well as hosting almost every single one. So, he really knows what makes a good expo great.

He said: “Hosting with Ashley is absolutely fantastic, we’ve got both

sides of the pond on that stage.

“Ashley brings her ‘go get ‘em’ style and Californian sunshine to the stage and I think I pump her up with a bit of British humour.”

However, being a host isn’t that easy and Johnnie tells us it can be daunting as expectations are always high. But as a self-confessed embodiment of vape, Johnnie Lovell is the man for the job.

“I’m an upholder of the word vape; I’m Virile, I’m Adaptive, my Personality is great and I’m an Extrovert. I am V-A-P-E”.

Eager to see the passion and developments in the industry, Johnnie likens his role to being the caretaker of Vaper Expo.

“From my wonderful position as host, I can hear and see interactions.”

“I get a snifter of everybody’s passion, and then if I can, I pass this information back to the general public or to the manufacturers and tell them what people are looking for.”

And one conversation he expects to be prominent at this expo is the latest on the US flavour ban.

“Everything that happens in America does ricochet here, it bounces off the walls of the European community and we all feel it.

“I think the Americans and anyone else having these troubles should sit down with the British and look at the TPD and get some results from it.”

Forever optimistic, Johnnie feels expos like this could be the cure, spreading education and awareness, and he thinks the vaping community are up to the challenge.

“I think the spread of word, the energy and the power that is inside the NEC for this fantastic Expo can be spread like butter across the rest of the country, and even the world.”

But conjuring up some serious solidarity against the flavour ban is not the most important aspect to this expo according to Johnnie: having frenzied fun is.

And now for a fun one… Johnnie, you’re trapped on a desert island. Which three people from the vape industry would you want by your side and why?

“I would like my dear partner Lorna because she is my vaping industry. Nathan from Vampire Vape because he is very, very much fun. My last person would be Alan from Vape Mate, because from the beginning he has been a blast of coffee to the vaping industry.”

“I love the buzz, looking into those beady little vaper eyes is the best bit. BRING IT ON I SAY !”

Seven THINGS

THAT ONLY VAPERS UNDERSTAND

We’re sure that this list will have you nodding your head in agreement.

Words : Phoebe Fuller

Ask virtually any vaper about their vaping journey and they will probably speak at length about how it has changed their lives for the better.

Vaping can come with its own, unique set of minor annoyances –dry hit, anyone? and we are still forced to use the ‘smoking area’ by many establishments who are happy to treat smokers and vapers in exactly the same way.

How many of the following can you identify with…

1. Pockets full of paraphernalia

For non-vapers, leaving the house is as easy as a quick ‘phone, keys, wallet’ check and a dash out the door, but for vapers? We’ve got to make sure we’ve got our device, a spare battery, extra juice, a replacement coil (just in case) and, if you’re really prepared, a portable charger. But you’ll undoubtedly forget at least one of these, which leads to…

2... Arriving at your destination to find you’re out of juice

The absolute worst, especially for those of us that aren’t lucky enough to work in a vape shop. I’ve certainly been caught short a few times and, have had to ration my dwindling supplies until I could find more e-liquid.

3 . The fear of a dwindling coil and being far from a shop

It’s always the way, isn’t it? You’ll install a fresh coil and then go away for a few days, thinking you’ll not need to pack a stash of fresh ones, when said new coil decides to give up the ghost early. This never seems to happen when you’re holidaying somewhere with vape shops galore, no, it’s only when you head out to the sticks for a get-away-from-it-all break.

4. Becoming a nicotine dispensary for smokers

“Damn, I’m out of cigarettes, can I share your vape?” go the infamous words spoken to vapers on any night out with smoking friends. While we’re sympathetic to their nicotine needs, we have been pestering them for months to get their own device. Besides, we’ve probably forgotten our spare bottle of juice anyway, so conservation is key here and, no, you can’t share our vape.

5. Educating non-vapers

Nope, we’re not “smoking a vape” and we’re not “getting high” on the contents, either. Actually, vaping is safer than smoking; and, no, we’re not doing this to be ‘cool’. Also we despair every time we see signs and hear intercom announcements that proclaim: “No smoking and this includes e-cigarettes.” For the last time of telling you - smoking is not the same as vaping. It just isn’t.

6. Still having to act like a smoker anyway

The ‘designated vaping areas’ in many hospitals/pub or restaurant gardens/literally anywhere, are quite often...the designated smoking areas. We are vaping because we’ve stopped smoking so would like to avoid it where possible, but suddenly we’ve got to stand in a smoking area? This hardly seems fair. You wouldn’t hold an AA meeting in a pub after all.

7. Having to constantly defend vaping

Beyond correcting people who think vaping is the same as smoking, all vapers know the pain of reading yet another fear-mongering headline about the ‘safety of vaping.’ Some people really get bent out of shape about us giving up smoking but we are a passionate lot and if we constantly have to defend vaping to smokers then so be it as we are sure to convert one or two along the way and that is a big win all round.

ALL

The Vapouround Bus is bold, brash… and back at The Vaper Expo

Words: Gordon Stribling

The Vapouround Bus is as much a staple of the expo as the Vampire Vape’s Vlad, impromptu cloud competitions and the Main Stage giveaway. Even if this is your first expo, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen it out on the road. The Vapouround Team travel all around the country to promote brands, meet vapers and help smokers make the switch.

And now we’re back for of one of our highlights of the year: the worldfamous Vaper Expo UK. And we’ve brought loads more of the team along for the ride!

So what can you expect from us this time?

Friday is B2B day. There’s no better time (or place!) to find out how the Vapouround Bus could work for you and your brand.

Come along at any time over the weekend to see the eye-catching wrap for yourself. We also have taste stations on board to allow vapers and speculative smokers to try a wide range of e-liquids for free.

Our sales staff will also be on hand to tailor a brilliant package for companies who want to advertise with Vapouround Magazine or get their brand displayed on the big bus itself.

But what we’re really excited about is meeting with vapers and smokers who’ve come to find out what this vaping thing is all about.

Our team of vaping nerds are here all weekend to answer your questions about all things vape. You can also try a selection of flavours from all your favourite brands and some new and exciting newcomers.

We may just have some freebies too…

Brought a smoker along with you? The Vapouround Bus is the place to be!

Along with educating smokers about vaping, we offer a free Vladdin RE pod starter kit in exchange for cigarettes or tobacco. What better way to kickstart your vaping journey before trying the thousands of juices on offer at the Expo itself?

The bus is also a great place to come to unwind amid all the madness of Vaper Expo.

The interior features comfortable seating, banging music and a PlayStation 4 console. Two-player games can get pretty heated, so prepare for a button-bashing battle!

You will no doubt have read a lot about or Together We Are Vape campaign by now. We would love you to get involved so let us know if you’d like to know more about how you can get involved.

The Vapouround Team will be easy to spot as we move throughout the expo floor over the weekend. So if you have a question about the magazine or just fancy a chat, come over and introduce yourself.

Have an amazing Vaper Expo experience. We know we will!

#TogetherWeAreVape

THE POCKET FRIENDLY SMOKING ALTERNATIVE

TM

DOING THINGS

Differently x

You may notice some changes here at the Expo this weekend, here’s what’s happening.

Words : Phoebe Fuller

If you just happened to wander into The Vaper Expo off the street you would not confuse it for a library.

By tradition, live vape events like this tend to be loud and the music adds to the vibrant atmosphere.

For the consumer days this is exactly what is required but on the business-to-business day it can get in the way.

Traditionally at Vaper Expo the music volume is muted on the B2B day but this time around organisers Jay and the team are doing things a little differently and have implemented a ‘no music’ policy on the Friday – the Expo’s B2B day.

“In the past we’ve always tried to keep music levels down on a Friday anyway and we don’t ever have the stage on the B2B day, either. But we’ve now requested that stands don’t play music, just because it’s then so easy for everyone to conduct business,” Jay says.

It makes sense, too. For those attending on the Friday in the hopes of sitting down with exhibitors to talk business, having a quiet space in which to do so makes everything easier.

But that’s not the only change you’ll notice this weekend, as the hall will have an entirely new addition to it’s set up, the Seminar Area. Hosting entertaining and informative talks all weekend from the likes of the IBVTA, Ashley Hansen and Arcas Compliance, Jay hopes that everyone can come away from the show having learned something. He says: “We want people to get more educated; whether that be on issues of compliance for their e-liquids and hardware, or how the negative press in the US has impacted UK customers in vape shops. “We want people just to be reminded to educate their staff and how to go about doing that.”

It’s an important time to make this change, as education is going to be the tool that the vaping industry needs the most in the months and years to come.

Ashley Hansen will be leading a talk on the current situation in the US, which is a must-hear for anyone who’s both passionate about vaping and wants to join in defending it.

So, whether you’re here this weekend on business or pleasure you’ll have the opportunity to come away armed with knowledge from the best show in town.

LOCAL BOY MADE GOOD

Endless Mods is a true West Midlands and international success story

Words: Gordon Stribling

Paul Harrison of Endless Mods will be a familiar face to many of the Vaper Expo faithful. He’s been an expo regular since the early days but in the beginning, he was just a local guy with a humble vape shop.

His original venture, Shade E-Vaping, opened its doors in Yardley in 2013 but things actually began a year earlier in a home business operated via Facebook.

Each day after work Paul and his wife Tasha would load up their cars with stock and drive all over Birmingham and the Black Country dropping off orders. Often they would not arrive back home until after midnight. This level of effort would follow them as they opened the flagship Yardley shop 11 months later.

Paul said: “We decided to open a shop so that customers could discuss their needs and have a place where they could come in and actually touch the products they wanted to buy.

“From launching on Facebook to opening the shop, we only had three nights off from delivering orders during that entire period.”

Paul had a Shade E-Vaping 10ml range before the shop had even opened as he realised early on that liquids would be integral to switching smokers to vaping. To this day, many of his customers exclusively vape his menthol liquid that kept them from smoking.

Shade E-Vaping was only the fifth or sixth vape shop to open in Birmingham but within two years there were in excess of 140. He now also has a shop in Dudley which launched in 2017. But it is Endless Mods with which Paul is most closely associated. By the time he attended his first Vaper Expo in October 2015, Paul was well on his way to finalising the protoype

for the first Endless Mods device which went on sale a month later on November 26 - which was Paul’s late father’s birthday. As you’d expect, Paul caught the mech mod bug early on, amassing a collection worth in excess of £10,000. But even in the thick of his obsession, he would happily put down a £2,000 mod and pick up the Nautilus - his main device.

Paul liked to keep himself busy on the mech mod side of things by always trying different builds and ways of wicking. He was able to pass this knowledge on to his customers to steer them towards the best device to help them quit smoking and stay off cigarettes.

He said: “People would come into the shop wanting big cloud devices because that is what they saw their mates using but I asked them about their smoking habits and would often recommend different products for them.

“For me there was no better feeling then when these people came back ten days later to tell me that they had had not smoked a single cigarette during all that time.”

The May 2016 Expo was a watershed moment for Endless Mods. Their initial 3x3 ft stand had to be extended to 15 metres to accommodate all their customers and they sold out all their stock.

Their stand at this event is bigger still and will be hard to miss given its size, the sofas and the general chilled vibe that Paul has been keen to cultivate since the beginning.

“We’ve created a following who just want to spend time with us whether they buy or use our products or not,” he said.

“Sometimes it will take me 25 minutes to get back from the toilet, with people introducing themselves on my way there and back saying: ‘I know you from Facebook, I love what you do’ or asking for a photo. It is all very humbling.”

A few years ago, Paul and his family went to the circus while on holiday in Wales. They nipped outside for a vape during the interval and caught the eye of a vaper using an Endless Mods device who recognised Paul and introduced himself.

“It’s humbling to be well-known in the industry and to be part of something so big and so life-changing for so many people,” said Paul.

“I still take as much time now to speak to people as I did in the early days because without them we would not be where we are today. It’s been a crazy journey but I have enjoyed it every step of the way and I would do it all again in an instant if I had to.”

“We’ve created a following who just want to spend time with us whether they buy or use our products or not”

BATTERY SAFETY and understanding Ohm’s Law

Paul Harrison from Endless Mods explains Ohm’s Law and the importance of battery safety

There’s lots of ‘bro science’ surrounding the safe use of batteries in vaping. There’s also plenty of terminology that gets crossed over and mixed up that confuses people.

For example you often hear people say: ‘You can’t use that battery in a mechanical mod, it’s a regulated mod battery only.’

This is nonsense. A battery will have an mAh rating and an amp rating. The bigger the mAh rating, the longer the battery will last and the higher the amp rating, the lower you can run a build on a mechanical mod or the higher you can turn up the power on a regulated mod.

As long as the amp limit is not being exceeded on either device, they are perfectly safe to use in either.

Ohm’s Law

Ohm’s Law is very easy to calculate. Although most app-based calculators use the same method to work out the required amp rating to operate safety, we suggest that there are two calculations: one for mechanical/unregulated devices and the other for regulated devices.

This is because a mechanical device loses voltage as the battery is used. A regulated device will use the electronics inside to deliver a constant voltage until the battery is no longer capable of firing. When a regulated device is still supplying full power to the RDA or tank even when the voltage of the batteries has dropped, the amps being pulled is higher.

Calculating the required amp rating for a mechanical device is simple: Volts (4.2 nominal for the batteries we use) / resistance (The ohms of the coil in the RDA/tank):

4.2 volts / 0.20 ohms = 21 amps needed

4.2 volts / 0.14 ohms = 30 amps needed

4.2 volts / 0.28 ohms = 15 amps needed

Three different batteries could be used to operate a mechanical device with the stated build in them at the continuous discharge rating (CDR). This will be the figure that is shown on the battery wrap. The battery will have a higher ‘pulse’ discharge rating. Unfortunately, everyone’s idea of a pulse is varied. It’s suggested that a 1-2 second draw on a mechanical mod would fall within the pulse rating of the battery. This is 0.1ohm which is a fairly standard build for seasoned mechanical mod users.

The amp rating required for a regulated device is also simple to calculate. Firstly, you should determine the maximum power of the device and how many batteries it takes. This will give you a maximum wattage each battery is required to handle if using max power. If we take a 150-watt device that uses two batteries, it’s 150 / 2 = 75 watts.

Now you should determine the minimum voltage the mod will fire at. This is normally stated on the outside packaging or the operating instructions leaflet. This would normally be between 3.0 volts and 3.3 volts per battery. If we use 6.4 volts as a minimum voltage requirement, the calculation is 6.4 volts / 2 batteries = 3.2 volts per battery.

The sum for working out the required voltage for a regulated device is as follows:

75 / 3.2 / 0.95 = 24.67 amps.

0.95 is used is to allow for any inefficiency in the regulators in the device itself. The above calculation demonstrates that with a 150watt device using two batteries at full power, the batteries need to be at least 24.67 amps. This throws the ‘30Qs are for regulated devices’ argument out the window. They are a 15-amp battery!

Wraps

We had a customer come into our store who had taken the wraps off their batteries because ‘they look sick in chrome.’ We were mortified but the customer didn’t understand the importance of the wrap. The outside of the battery is essentially the negative ‘–‘ contact and the flat or nipple top is the positive ‘+’ contact.

The wrap insulates the negative sides of the battery. A damaged wrap could cause a mod to auto-fire or dead short the battery. A dead short is our worst nightmare. When we see news articles about batteries exploding in someone’s pocket, there’s a 99% chance it was a dead short.

When a battery vents from being used above its amp rating, it will normally fizz and hiss and there will be an acrid smell, but that’s about it. When a battery dead shorts, the heat generates so fast that the explosion occurs quicker than the thermal cut-outs in the battery can work. This is when the fireworks happen. The end result, in some cases, has been death.

Torn Wraps

A torn wrap on a battery inside a mechanical tube mod can cause the device to auto-fire. Juice can seep down between the inside wall of the device and the outside face of the battery and make contact between the mod and the tear in the battery wrap. This acts the same way it would if the fire button was activated.

Auto-fire will only occur if the battery is used positive-up in the device. Some devices state they should be run with positive down in the device. A torn battery wrap and leaking juice in a positive-down device could cause a dead short. This could turn the device into a mini pipe bomb. This doesn’t need to be the case. The devices are safe. It’s often the salesperson or user that isn’t!

Wrapping Up

As a retailer and a manufacturer of mechanical devices and wire/coils, I have often been faced with a conflict of interest when refusing to sell a mechanical device to someone who I feel isn’t educated enough to use that device.

We want our staff and our customers to be safe. This requires a knowledge from our staff that means we can continually educate the users. It also requires the willingness to refuse a sale if we feel the user does not have the knowledge needed to operate the device safely.

Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths in the US every year. But in the past few months, state and federal government officials have brought in strict measures that threaten to destroy the one thing that keeps millions of Americans from using tobacco – vaping.

Countless livelihoods have already been destroyed and we now face the very real prospect of millions of adult vapers returning to combustible cigarettes.

We have had enough.

Now is the time for vapers and our industry to step up and support one another and the advocacy groups fighting to save one of the most important public health innovations of our time.

The TOGETHER WE ARE VAPE campaign will unite the industry, advocates and consumers across the world in a show of support for American vapers and businesses.

Please show your support by contributing to our £25,000 Just Giving page target, picking up one of our campaign bracelets and sharing the #TOGETHERWEAREVAPE hashtag.

We aim to raise £25,000.

All funds raised from this campaign will go directly to US businesses affected by the attacks on the industry, as well as advocacy groups including the Florida Smoke Free Association (FSFA).

The FSFA is a non-profit advocacy group comprised of vaping businesses and consumers. The goal of FSFA is to support and protect the Florida vaping industry. FSFA works with legislators and Florida health officials to reduce the devastating effects of combustible tobacco products.

What else can I do?

If you’re in the US, make sure your state and city officials know how important vaping is to you. Be politically active and share your story far and wide.

Hard facts are not enough in this post-truth era. We need to change hearts and minds with hard-hitting, personal testimony.

This is not about ‘kids getting hooked on flavours.’ It’s about keeping their parents free of tobacco-related diseases and living healthier, happier and longer lives for them and their families.

Our new campaign will fight for the US industry.

VOICES OF REASON

UK industry and advocates stand firm as US industry takes a battering

Words : Gordon Stribling

American vape advocates have had a rough time of it since the hotly-disputed teen vaping ‘epidemic’ began to take hold. Barely a day goes by without a public official announcing their intent to crack down on flavours or irresponsible marketing practices.

Despite the latest vaping scare finally being acknowledged to be more of a THC oil issue than an e-cigarette issue, panic has now crossed the Atlantic and the US vape industry is in peril. Public health groups and vape advocates fear that the hysteria and misinformation imported from the US may undo the success of vaping in the UK and lead countless vapers to return to combustible cigarettes.

Former ASH chief executive Clive Bates said that the THC scare should be a warning of the dangers of unregulated products, not an excuse to stoke unfounded fears about vaping as a whole.

Bates said: “You’re terrifying people who are benefiting from vaping by not smoking.”

UK businesses, public health advocates and vapers have come together to speak out against the tide of misinformation that threatens the nation’s thriving industry. The last thing anyone wants to see is smokers being forced to go back to cigarettes but if we are not careful it could happen. Here’s what they had to say.

ASH chief executive Deborah Arnott:

“ASH is concerned that the reports from the US will be discouraging vaping in the UK. British vapers can be reassured that there have been no reports of serious side effects from UK e-cigarettes. But they should only be buying from mainstream suppliers who are selling regulated products. To use black market products carries risks that can’t be quantified.”

Prof Linda Bauld, public health expert at Edinburgh University:

“It seems highly unlikely that widely-available, nicotine-containing vaping products, particularly of the type regulated in Europe, are causing these cases. All the evidence to date suggests that illicit marijuana vaping products (THC oils) are the cause. In particular, a compound called tocopherol acetate may be the culprit.”

Paul Aveyard, professor of behavioural medicine at the University of Oxford: “These cases are worrying and need investigating but advice from all official bodies in the UK is that it is always preferable to vape than to smoke. These reports should not change that advice.”

Dr Lion Shahab, associate professor in health psychology at University College London: “Banning [flavours] would not have prevented this recent outbreak. It is, of course, unfortunate that people use bootlegged products to vape illegal drugs; however, this problem is not unique to e-cigarettes and similarly applies to bootlegged alcohol and Class A drugs used for recreational purposes.”

Doug Mutter, compliance director at VPZ:

“There have been reports that the majority of the cases have been linked to people using illicit vaping fluid bought on the streets, with some containing cannabis products, like THC. Vaping is already proving to be a key weapon in the UK’s stop smoking strategy and is bringing momentum to the country’s ambition of becoming smoke-free by 2030.”

Jane Johnson, Del Boys Ecig and Vape Store, Derby:

“Seven years ago, I tried vaping. I smoked nearly 40 fags a day. The vape gave me everything I needed: throat hit, nicotine and, of course, vapour. My smoking days ended within a week. I have never looked back. I feel healthier, I look healthier and more than anything, it gave me the energy to play, run and do other activities with my children that I had struggled to do without getting out of breath. This is why I’m in the industry and why I get up every morning to go to work. If I can change someone else’s life like I did mine, then I’m happy.”

UKVIA spokesman Dan Marchant: “In the UK, we are proud to be a standard bearer for a consumer-driven industry which has already helped millions of people across the world stop smoking. We will continue to work with the public health community in the UK to spread the facts about vaping, which Public Health England [PHE] continues to advise is 95 percent less harmful than smoking and is the most effective way for the UK’s remaining seven million smokers to quit.”

New Nicotine Alliance (NNA):

“Whether it is journalists chasing click-bait or ideologically-driven harm reduction sceptics in the UK health community, they are actively deterring many thousands of smokers from either opting to switch to a far safer form of nicotine consumption or guiding those who may be using e-cigarettes to move back to smoking, based on no proper evidence whatsoever. This is not a game. The crass conflation of vaping with illicit, unregulated and deadly, illegal, drug-containing liquids will cost lives and they should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.”

Public Health England:

“Our advice on e-cigarettes remains unchanged - vaping isn’t completely risk free but is far less harmful than smoking tobacco. There is no situation where it would be better for your health to continue smoking rather than switching completely to vaping.”

“There is no situation where it would be better for your health to continue smoking rather than switching completely to vaping.”

EVENT S AN D SE M I N A R S

b MEETING THE

Media

Vaper Expo and VapeTube teamed up for the all-new Media Area

In just two years, VapeTube has become the default streaming platform for vape content creators fed up with the shackles of YouTube. The site has helped foster an online community that believes in its message: the freedom to discuss all things vape.

VapeTube’s presence at May’s Vaper Expo showed just how far they’d come. And once again, they’ll be pivotal in introducing online reviewers and advocates to the eager vapers who watch them from home multiple times a week.

VapeTube founder Mike Shaw has teamed up with Vaper Expo’s Fil Karbownik to develop the VapeTube/Vaper Expo Media Area - the evolution of May’s Media Meet and Greet.

Fil gave an overview of what we can expect over the weekend, saying: “The main area is going to be very much like it was last show, with a casual seating area where the reviewers will be most of the weekend.

“Vapers can drop by and meet their favourite vape personalities and ask questions.”

While it was yet to be confirmed at the time we went to press, it’s highly likely that there will be a formal meet and greet as happened on the Sunday of May’s event. That proved to be very popular, so keep an eye on social media for timings and be sure to get there early to beat the crowds.

“At the last show we ended up with Vic (from Vaping with Vic) being bombarded by people and it took three hours to get through everyone,” said Fil.

Meanwhile, the small studio-like area to the side provides a space for reviewers to speak with exhibitors, record reviews or live stream in a quiet and professional area away from the hubbub of the main expo floor.

This evolution of the format fits very much within the VapeTube model. As the platform has grown it has attracted advertisers keen to get their products into the hands of reviewers and VapeTube is working as the middleman to make this happen. It is also not just about the already established names in the industry as the team are keen to boost the profiles of up and comers, too.

Mike said: “We work very closely with businesses now where they send us products for review.

“They all go out to different reviewers, from the big ones like the Vaping Postman with 20,000 subscribers through to smaller guys with a few thousand.”

Speaking of The Vaping Postman, the platform has fostered a close relationship with some of the UK’s most prominent reviewers, three of whom will be playing a pivotal role in one of the most important events of the weekend – the Vaper Expo Awards.

The Vaping Postman, Vic and Chris from Empire Vape Co will be blind tasting the juice for the awards and will be handing out the trophies at 1pm on Sunday.

“Obviously it’s taking up a lot of their time. They’re having to judge hundreds of different bottles.

“They’ve agreed to help out and help strengthen our rapport with Vapor Expo.”

The awards – and Vaper Expo itself – will provide some much-needed positivity after a difficult couple of months for the industry.

While VapeTube doesn’t have the same presence and broad viewership as YouTube, Mike is keen to use the growing platform as a counterpoint to the negativity and misinformation that is found all over the news and social media.

“Every time I go to Twitter or Facebook now, it’s something negative. If we can just try to counteract that with a positive article or video that we can share though VapeTube, we can raise awareness of the platform and fight the negative media at the same time.”

If vaping is to survive and thrive amidst all the anti-science and hysteria plaguing the news, we need to strengthen business relationships, stay informed and share our concerns with those who have the platform to get our voices heard. The Media Area at the UK’s biggest vape event is a pretty good place to start.

“Vapers can drop by and meet their favourite vape personalities and ask questions”

TheStory Goes on

Vaping has come a long way in the past four years and The Vaper Expo has captured it all. What are your Vaper Expo memories? Feel free to share them on Twitter or Instagram @vaperexpouk

US LUNG INJURY CRISIS: EVERYTHING WE KNOW

b

CDC reports 805 lung injury cases in 46 states and 1 U.S. territory with 12 deaths across 10 states

Words : Patrick Griffin

In a September 27 update to the the medical crisis that has gripped America, the CDC revealed that the vast majority of cases (77 percent) involve THC products.

It also confirmed that ALL patients had a history of using vape products with 16 percent reporting exclusive use of nicotine-containing products.

While these figures certainly help put things in perspective, they may come far too late to save the American vape industry from the sort of excessive regulation which could bring it to near extinction. The latest update from the The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes the following new information.

What we know:

About 69 percent of patients are male.

• Nearly two thirds (62 percent) of patients are 18 to 34 years old; with 22 percent aged between 18-21.

• 16 percent of patients are under 18.

• All reported patients have a history of using vape products.

The latest findings from the CDC investigation suggest products containing THC play a role in the outbreak.

Data obtained from 514 patients revealed that in the 30 days prior to symptom onset, 77 percent reported using THC-containing products while 36 percent reported exclusive use of THCcontaining products.

About 57 percent reported using nicotinecontaining products with16 percent reporting exclusive use of nicotine-containing products. No consistent evidence of an infectious cause has been discovered leading medical experts to conclude that chemical exposure is the most likely cause.

What we don’t know:

The specific chemical exposure(s) which are causing the lung injuries. Whether there is a single common denominator. No single product or substance has been linked to all the lung injury cases. More information is needed to know whether one or more products, substances, or brands are responsible for the outbreak.

The CDC said: “Unlike nationally reportable conditions, these cases require clinicians and public health professionals to interview patients to determine product use and individual

“This complex investigation spans many states, involves hundreds of patients, and involves a wide variety of substances.

“Anyone who uses an e-cigarette or vaping product should not buy these products off the street and should not modify or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer.”

The CDC has also provided detailed briefing notes for the public, health care providers and health departments. The briefings give specific advice for each of the three categories and clinicians are advised:

“As this investigation continues, CDC encourages clinicians to report possible lung injury cases of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury to their local or state health department for further investigation.

“If e-cigarette, or vaping, product use is suspected as a possible cause for a patient’s lung injury, a detailed history of the substances used, the sources, and the devices used should be obtained and efforts should be made to determine if any remaining product, devices, and liquids are available for testing.”

Advocacy and education will be key themes at this two-day event

Words: Patrick Griffin

If the current vaping crisis in America is a hot discussion topic here at Vaper Expo, you can be certain it will be a huge focus at VapExpo Las Vegas next month.

The event takes place on November 22-23 at Las Vegas Convention Center and it could not come at a more critical time for the US vape industry.

Vapouround Magazine is proud to be a media partner for this expo and we are acutely aware that our friends and colleagues in America need as much help and support as they can get right now.

Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success, attracting more than 7,500 attendees over two days, with representatives from 50 countries, covering 277 brands.

In addition there were two social media live streaming studios, a cloudworks arena, a DIY extravaganza and even a Netflix specialmaking it one of the best shows of the year.

This year the organisers plan to build on that success and produce something even better than last year. Word has spread about the show and more than 15,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Friday will be the business day where top distributors from the US and around the world will be in attendance and Saturday will be open to the public.

Robb Hackett, CEO for VapExpo Las Vegas, said there would be a huge push for advocacy at the show because of the current climate in the US.

There are also around 70 speakers lined up for the event and the full lineup will be released about a week before the show.

The show will also have a big focus on bringing in international distributors and buyers to help American companies who are

looking to move into other countries which have a more favourable attitude to vaping.

Robb thinks it is very important that an event like this should allow US companies to meet as many international distributors as possible so that they can find new business opportunitiesespecially in those States which are clamping down hard on the vape industry.

In tandem with VapExpo Las Vegas is the CBD trade show CBD. io which will also be taking place at the event for the second year running. Given that so many vaping companies have also moved into the CBD space, this makes perfect sense and proved hugely popular at last year’s event.

Robb believes that the vaping community can do a lot to help put the record straight about the recent spate of deaths and illnesses in the US.

He said: “We are fortunate with the timing of this show so that people can come together and come up with ideas about what we can do now and how we can best fight these attacks on our industry.

“We need to work together to help protect this industry which has already saved so many lives and VapExpo Las Vegas will play its part in helping educate people so that they can get the message out there that the vaping industry is really worth fighting for.”

Any readers of this Show Guide can gain free admission to VapExpo Las Vegas so if you happen to be out there when the show is on, then come along and show your support.

For more information about the show - or to book a booth - then just search online for “VapExpo Las Vegas.”

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V A P O U R OUN D RE VIE W S Hardware

Please note: All hardware and e-liquids are reviewed by external reviewers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Vapouround Magazine. All e-Liquids are rveiwed at a 3mg nicotine level. Mod reviews are rated on specific scales depending on the style of products recived.

MINIKIN 3

Specifications:

By Benedict Jones

- Construction: Zinc alloy - Power output: 5W-200W

- Battery capacity: 2x external 18650 cells

- Charging: 2A USB-C charging/proprietary charging base

- Display: HD colour touch screen display

Asmodus has long been one of the leading producers of premium vaping hardware. The Minikin series has been its flagship range since early 2016 and now that the long-awaited Minikin 3 is finally here, let’s see how it stacks up.

Construction, fit and finish of the Minikin 3 is gorgeous. The Zinc alloy frame with purple metallic finish is incredibly sturdy and feels more than a match for previous Asmodus releases. Seams are minimal, with tight tolerances and once batteries are installed there is no play in the door whatsoever, making for a reassuringly robust device, deserving of the Minikin name.

As is tradition, Asmodus has completely changed up the form factor with the new Minikin and I think this is the best design yet. The new free-form shape favours left-handed use but this is a concession that has to be made if you want to achieve great ergonomics.

The rounded back end and grooved sides result in a mod that fits into the hand perfectly, with the thumb falling naturally on the large firing button. This is the most comfortable dual battery device I’ve used to date.

The new GX-200UTC chipset is exactly the kind of iterative update we would expect from Asmodus. It features wattage, power curve, preheat, eco, TCR, TFR, and temperature control settings, along with some user experience options such as an accelerometer, haptic feedback and password lock. The touch screen controls, which were a tad sluggish on earlier models, are now very snappy and menu navigation is beautifully intuitive. Power output is instant and the TCR function works well for those who wish to fine-tune their TC experience. The now legendary battery life of the GX series boards remains in place and I found two 3000mAh cells to easily last for more than a day at 60W, which is

very impressive. The only other chipset that gives me such longevity is the DNA 250C, customised for low voltage cut-off, so if battery life is a high priority for you, this device should absolutely be on your shopping list.

Unlike the 3S model, the Minikin 3 does not feature the somewhat temperamental fingerprint scanner and I’m glad this was omitted from the standard model, since it doesn’t really add value.

With no major flaws to speak of, I thoroughly recommend the Minikin 3 to anyone who is willing to pay slightly more for their next dual battery mod. It’s built to last, performs like a champion and is extremely comfortable to use. Many questioned whether Asmodus would be able to exceed the accomplishments of the Minkin V2 and in my opinion they have done so convincingly.

PROS

- Great build quality

- Fantastic ergonomics

- Great chipset

WANDERLUST LITE

Specifications:

By Benedict Jones

- Dimensions: 80.5mm*21mm*21mm

- Battery capacity: 1000mAh internal cell

- E-liquid capacity: 2ml

- Charging: 0.8A Micro-USB

Chinese manufacturer Advken is best known for its solid subohm tanks and rebuildable atomisers but it’s 2019, so it would be strange if they didn’t release a pod system and the Wanderlust Lite is their first such offering.

Construction, fit and finish are good but not outstanding. The body is lightweight yet solid, with a pleasant matte finish and colour gradient. The only seam on this device is for the pod connection and even this is very snug, securing with a firm press fit.

The pod itself is an odd shape but feels robust, with slightly thicker walls than most. Due to the way this system has been designed, it’s virtually shock-proof, which is great for users who need a device that will stand up to abuse.

User experience is very simple. The pod fills from the bottom via a rubber gromet and I’ve experienced no leaks or overflow issues during my testing. It’s a draw-activated system, so no buttons or settings to worry about and all the battery feedback you could reasonably expect is displayed by a colour-changing LED.

In terms of performance and vape quality, the Wanderlust Lite is middle of the road. The airflow is more restrictive than most pod systems in 2019, providing a moderate MTL draw with slightly cool vapour. This is where the vape quality falls slightly short, since the 1.4Ohm ceramic coil feels like it could do with a touch more power than the internal cell provides on direct output.

The result of this cooler vape is slightly muted flavour. It’s not terrible by any stretch of the imagination but it’s also not as saturated as it could have been. This issue could be fixed with a slight tweak to future batches of pods, aiming for a lower resistance or coil mass.

Due to this, I found bright fruit flavours to be the best option for the system, as more complex desserts simply don’t pop at such low temperatures.

Battery life is quite impressive for such a small device. Advken state a 1000mAh cell and this seems about right, as I was consistently able to get a full day’s vaping on one charge when filled with 20mg/ ml nicotine salts. However I did find performance to drop off towards the end of each charge cycle, likely due to the high resistance coil. I found the cell to charge from flat to full in just over an hour, which is acceptable given the run time of the device.

In summary, the Advken Wanderlust Lite is a solid, but not outstanding, pod system. The main beneficiaries of this design are those who need a rugged stealthy device that can run for a day on a charge and prefer a cooler vape.

Hopefully Advken will release lower resistance pods in the near future for those who prefer a warmer, more saturated vape.

PROS

- Solid build quality

- User friendly

- Leak free

CONS

- Quite a cool vape

- Somewhat muted flavour

IQ VIVA KIT By Benedict Jones

Mod Specifications:

- Dimensions: 75.1mm*26.5mm*17mm - Battery capacity: 1100mAh internal cell

- Power output: Three power settings (Low/Medium/High) - Charging: Micro-USB Tank Specifications:

- Dimensions: 55.9mm*14mm (height including drip tip)

- Materials: Glass, stainless steel - E-liquid capacity: 1.3ml

E-liquid giants Hangsen have pushed to make an impact on the hardware market in recent times and until now that has taken the form of several pod systems of varying sizes. The IQ VIVA is their first traditionally-styled tank and mod kit, so how does it measure up to the competition?

Construction, fit and finish are good. This is an affordable, beginnerfriendly kit so it would be unfair to expect top-tier, rugged construction, but the device feels nicely put-together. Seams are minimal, there is no rattle or play to speak of and the mod is comfortable in the hand. The chassis material is not stated but from the relatively low weight it’s seemingly aluminium and the finish is nicely done.

Ease-of-use is critical with starter kits and Hangsen have done well in this case. The device features just one button, which acts as a firing mechanism, cycles between three power settings with three consecutive presses and powers the device on/off with five clicks. A simple set of LEDs indicates the current power setting and tells the user when the device is charging, when there is a connection problem or when the battery is depleted. I would like to see a greater range of battery feedback, warning the user of different levels of charge, but this is a minor complaint.

In terms of performance, the VIVA kit is very respectable when compared with the other miniature mods and pod systems that it is competing with. I found the 1100mAh internal cell to easily accommodate a full day’s use on one charge regardless of power setting when used with 20mg/ml nicotine strength e-liquids. Vapers who use low strength e-liquids may have less run time, though the device charges from flat to full in just under 1.5 hours, which is entirely acceptable considering the size of the internal cell. The VIVA tank is a sensible pairing for the mod. With its tiny 14mm

diameter, e-liquid capacity is small at just 1.3ml, but the intended audience for this device is clearly those who use high strength e-liquids, so this shouldn’t be too much of a concern and it does result in a very slender package. The tank features a simple child-resistant top-fill mechanism with generous fill ports and an airflow control ring at the base which offers a good range of options, from tight MTL when fully closed off to a restricted direct-lung draw when fully open. This should cater to most new vapers, though I found flavour performance to be best with the airflow closed all the way down.

Vape quality is commendable for such a small device, though it doesn’t compete with fully-fledged MTL stock coil tanks. But this is to be expected and I thoroughly believe that the VIVA coil heads provide a good experience for new vapers.

In summary, the Hangsen IQ VIVA kit is a solid miniature device with extended battery life for new users who want something that performs like a pod system. If simplicity, affordability and an inconspicuous size are your priorities, this is a good option.

PROS

- Build quality

- Battery life

- Wattage adjustment

CONS

- Only one coil option, not true MTL

NOVO 2

By Benedict Jones

Specifications:

- Dimensions: 88mm*24.5mm*14.5mm

- Battery capacity: 800mAh

- E-liquid capacity: 2ml

- Charging: 0.55A Micro-USB

The original Novo was SMOK’s first medium-sized pod device and was likely one of the best selling starter kits of 2018. Though popular, the Novo did have a few issues, so has this new iteration eliminated them?

Construction fit and finish of the Novo 2 remain largely unchanged which is a good thing. This is a solid little pod device, with minimal seams, no rattle and nice tolerances, securing each pod properly without fear of a loose connection. The body is constructed from the same mix of metal and resin, which may not be to everyone’s liking but is undeniably more substantial than some other pod systems of this size. The only real change on the surface is that the Micro-USB port has been moved to the bottom of the device.

User experience is dead simple. This is a true pod system, which means once a pod burns out, you replace it with a new unit. There are no buttons or settings on offer here, just a draw-activated firing mechanism, often preferred by new vapers who are transitioning from cigarettes. Refilling the pod is mess free, with a large side port that allows air to escape as liquid enters, preventing any overflow issues. A single LED on the body of the device provides three levels of battery feedback, so you won’t be in the dark about when you need to charge.

The big change for the Novo 2 are the new 1Ohm mesh pods and they absolutely deliver. The original Novo pods were very serviceable but didn’t have the sharpest flavour production and had a rather loose draw for the power output. SMOK has clearly listened to feedback in this case because the 1Ohm mesh pods have a super smooth moderate MTL draw, with warm vapour and fantastic flavour production. The performance of these coils is so good, in fact, that I am willing to say the Novo 2 is up there with the very best true pod systems on the market.

Coil longevity is also a significant step up from the previous model. I was able to run 25ml of moderately-sweet e-liquid through each pod before a replacement was needed.

In terms of battery life, the Novo 2 again exceeds its predecessor. The internal cell has almost doubled in size from 450mAh to 800mAh, which results in a huge improvement to run time. When filled with 20mg/ml nicotine salt e-liquid, I found the Novo 2 to last a full day’s vaping on a single charge, which is impressive considering the size of the device. Charging from flat to full takes approximately 1.5 hours, which is a little longer than I would like but isn’t a deal breaker, considering the run time.

In summary, the Novo 2 is a worthy successor to the original Novo, fixing all of the issues that were previously noted. This is a compelling pod system and an excellent choice for any vaper in need of a simple, stealthy vape.

PROS

- Great vape quality

- Good battery life

- Solid build quality

CONS

- Replacement pods, not coils

VOOPOO VINCI By Benedict Jones

Specifications:

- Dimensions: 77mm*25mm*27mm

- Battery capacity: 1500mAh internal cell

- E-liquid capacity: 5.5ml

- Charging: 1A Micro-USB - Power output: 5W-40W

VooPoo may have built their brand on sturdy, high-performance box mods but in recent times they’ve changed their focus to the starter market like many other manufacturers. The Vinci is their latest beginner-friendly offering that straddles the line between AIO and fully-fledged mod.

Construction, fit and finish of the Vinci are excellent. Though a relatively small AIO device, it feels robust in the hand, with a reassuring, but practical, weight. Tolerances are tight, with minimal seams and no rattles and the material choices are solid on the whole. The pod is secured in place by four magnets, resulting in a very strong connection, an important detail that is overlooked all too often. In terms of user experience, the Vinci is simple but offers more functionality than a basic pod system or AIO. Five clicks of the fire button power the device on/off and three clicks allow you to toggle between three firing modes, auto, manual or a combination of the two. This is a nice touch that allows for a range of preferences without alienating anyone. My main gripe here is the lack of airflow control. Airflow will naturally be changed by the inner bore of the coil but aside from this, the only adjustability is flipping the pod 180 degrees, which has little impact. I would like to see adjustable airflow implemented in future batches of pods.

I’m particularly impressed with the puff counter functionality on offer here, though. The number of puffs you’ve taken is displayed clearly on the middle of the screen and automatically resets every 24 hours. On top of this, holding the plus and minus buttons together reveals a chart of how many puffs you’ve taken each day, over a 14-day period. This is fantastic for users who wish to track their nicotine intake and I would love to see this implemented on more devices.

Two coils are included with the Vinci and they provide distinct experiences. The first is a 0.3Ohm mesh coil, rated for 32W-40W. It has great flavour output for such a small mesh coil and allows for a restricted or semi-restricted direct lung vape, depending on your pod orientation. Longevity is impressive here too and I was able to run 35mls of moderately sweet e-liquid through the coil before moving on

to the other for testing. It was still going strong at this stage. The second coil is a 0.8Ohm round wire build, rated for 12W-18W. Flavour production and warmth of this coil are commendable but the airflow on this coil will be disappointing for MTL fans who enjoy a tight draw. This issue would be totally solved if the pod had an adjustable airflow and it would also make the Vinci a must buy for stock coil MTL vapers. Longevity was impressive again and I was able to run 20ml of moderately sweet e-liquid through the coil before it declined noticeably.

Battery life will depend on your choice of coil and power setting but on the whole I have been impressed by the 1500mAh internal cell. Using the mesh coil between 32W-40W, you can expect 3-4 hours of moderate use, which is commendable for such a small device. The 0.8Ohm coil at 12W-18W will easily last a full day’s vaping and that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. The Vinci charges from flat to full in 1.5hours, which is fine considering the run time. In summary, the VooPoo Vinci has a lot going for it but falls just short of being a must buy. If they can add true airflow adjustment to future batches of pods, this will become my go to AIO system and will be the one I recommend to new vapers.

PROS

- Build quality

- Flavour output

- Coil longevity

- Replacement coils, not pods

- Good battery life

CONS

- No adjustable airflow

Specifications:

- Dimensions: 105mm*19mm*10mm

- Battery capacity: 350mAh internal cell

- E-liquid capacity: 1.9ml pre-filled pods

- Charging: Proprietary 0.45A charger

Vype have been producing entry level vaping products for six years now and the ePod is their latest offering, a tiny closed system with pre-filled pods. This device will likely be people’s first experience of vaping, so is it a worthwhile choice?

Construction, fit and finish of the ePod are good but fall short of best in class. Vype do not state the main chassis material but from the metallic satin finish it would appear to be aluminium. It’s a lightweight design, with clean minimalistic lines and minimal seams but it doesn’t feel quite as robust as some of its competitors. Pods are secured with a magnetic connection and the tolerances here are on point, with a barely noticeable amount of play once installed.

In terms of user experience, there’s not really much to talk about, this is a closed system after all. The ePod is draw activated, pod installation is simple and a single LED lets you know when the device is firing, low on battery or charging. The proprietary magnetic charging dock is simple to use but more on that later.

In terms of vape quality, the ePod is among the best closed systems. Ramp up time is not quite as instantaneous as I would like but I can certainly live with it, since the coil technology Vype has developed puts out warm vapour, with good flavour saturation and a tight draw that closely emulates a cigarette. I was supplied with 18mg/ ml nicotine salt pods for review and found them to give a satisfying throat hit across the board, so no complaints there either.

Battery life is about as good as you can expect from a tiny 350mAh internal cell. I found it to last for approximately half a day’s moderate use before needing a charge, which takes approximately 45 minutes from flat to full. Unfortunately, you can’t vape whilst charging but this isn’t a deal breaker.

My only real gripe is the magnetic proprietary charger. Whilst it works nicely, having a specific charger for a vaping device is annoying, especially when there is an abundance of micro-USB cables that do the job just as well. If you forget the charger, or lose it, you’ll have to purchase an entirely new device. Not ideal.

I was sent six flavours to sample with the review device, here’s a brief rundown:

Golden Tobacco: A simple Virginia-style tobacco with some light nut, caramel and vanilla accents.

Garden Strawberry: A sweet and mildly tart candy strawberry, good for a first fruity vape.

Very Berry: Candy cherry, with a light berry accent.

Vanilla Medley: Though described as a pure vanilla blend, I mostly get a creamy banana here.

Chilled Mint: A full-on mint flavour with a satisfying coolant finish.

Tropical Mango: A light and authentic mango, the mildest of the fruits on offer.

In summary, the Vype ePod is a solid entry level device that provides good vape quality, a nice selection of flavours and great ease of use. The proprietary charger is an annoyance though.

PROS

- Good selection of flavours

- Wide availability

- Satisfying throat hit

CONS

- Proprietary charger

- Not the quickest coil ramp up

VYPE EPOD By Benedict Jones

Specifications:

- 96mm*43mm*18.6mm - Weight: 136g

- Materials: Zinc alloy, polycarbonate - Battery capacity: 1050mAh internal cell

- E-liquid capacity: 3ml/2ml (TPD Edition)

- Power output: Configurable via E-scribe software - Charging: 1A Micro-USB

Wismec are best known for producing affordable hobbyist hardware, so they’ve not been hugely involved in the pod market over the last 12 months. That’s changing with the Preva, a DNA Go powered pod aimed at enthusiast stealth vapers. The question is, have they managed to build a compelling enough device to justify the inclusion of a premium chipset?

Construction, fit and finish of the Preva are among best in class for a pod system. The zinc alloy chassis adds some weight and this device feels premium in the hand. This is more robust than the vast majority of pods and I’m glad that proper attention has been paid here. The carbon fibre accents are a nice touch, too. User experience is highly configurable, as should be expected from any DNA-based device. Out of the box, the Preva provides three levels of power output, toggled via the mode select button towards the bottom of the device. When you are particularly satisfied with the vape quality you’re getting, holding the mode select button for three seconds will activate replay mode, which replicates the puff and introduces a form of temperature control that will throttle power should the coil become dry.

A sliding door on the top of the pod reveals a filling port covered by a membrane and I’ve had no issues with this design during my testing. My only gripe is that Wismec have opted for disposable pods instead of replacement coils. A rebuildable option wouldn’t go amiss, either, considering how configurable the DNA Go board is.

To change the device’s settings, you can connect the Preva to your computer via Micro USB and interact with it using Evolv’s E-scribe software. The experience is less comprehensive than the full fat DNA boards, but it still allows you to configure up to five power settings from the default three and change the colour of the LED at each interval, should you wish. I found the factory settings to be appropriate, but this functionality is great for those who want to fine-tune things. It also means the Preva is future proof for new coil resistances that will inevitably become available down the line. When it comes to vape quality, the Preva competes with the best pod

systems on the market. With the top airflow controller wide open, both the 0.25Ohm and 0.5Ohm pods provide a restricted direct lung draw but this can be closed to a moderate MTL experience with relative ease. I found both pods to perform best with the airflow closed down, at the highest power setting. Replay mode is only available on the 0.25Ohm SS316L pod and that’s likely going to be the best bet for most people, since it allows you to replicate the ideal vape and prevent dry hits at the same time. Both pods provided good longevity, with the 0.25Ohm winning out, likely due to replay mode.

The 1050mAh internal cell performs as I would expect and run time will depend on your choice of power output. Set to 16W on replay mode, I found the Preva to last just shy of a full day’s vaping, when filled with 20mg/ml nicotine salts. The device charges from flat to full in about an hour, which is fine considering the run time.

The Preva is a fantastic pod system, that justifies its price point with great build quality, plenty of configuration options and ease of use. This is a device that is best suited to advanced users but the solid default settings mean new vapers shouldn’t be put off.

PROS

- Build quality

- DNA Go functionality

- Vape quality

CONS

- Replacement pods, not coils.

WISMEC PREVA By Benedict Jones

MOTIVAPE MOJO By

Specifications:

- Materials: Polycarbonate

Benedict Jones

- Dimensions: 73mm X 20mm X 11mm

- E-liquid capacity: 1.2ml pre-filled cartridge

- Battery capacity: One time use internal cell, capacity unknown

Over the last year or so, we’ve seen manufacturers attempt to make vaping as accessible as possible to smokers, with a surge in the use of pre-filled pods and stripped-back AIO devices. Among this wave of beginner devices are disposable pod systems – one time use devices that are intended for the simplest possible vaping experience. The Mojo is Motivape’s new disposable offering.

Construction, fit and finish are fair for a disposable device. Each Mojo is designed to last for about a day’s use, so premium materials wouldn’t make sense here. The simple polycarbonate frame is solid, with just one seam at the bottom which is barely noticeable. This is an incredibly light and inconspicuous design which can easily be carried in the smallest of pockets without being noticed. Motivape have achieved a modern utilitarian look with the Mojo which works for this type of device.

User experience couldn’t be simpler. Each Mojo is sealed in foil packaging and once you’ve removed the rubber seal from the mouthpiece and sticker from the bottom, you’re ready to vape. This is a draw-activated system, with a single LED on the bottom to indicate when the device is firing. Since the Mojo is disposable, there’s no charging port or way to re-fill the 1.2ml cartridge. For particularly stubborn long-time smokers this does a good job of emulating the

experience of smoking but the disposable nature of the device does pose environmental concerns.

The Mojo provides a moderate MTL draw, with relatively cool vapour and average flavour intensity. I found the non-rechargeable internal cell to last for a full day of moderate use, which is quite impressive, though.

We tried four flavours during our testing. Here’s a quick rundown: Menthol: A simple menthol, with hints of more natural mint. Unoffensive and likely to prove to be a good starting point for smokers.

Classic Tobacco: Despite the name, this tastes like an RY4 blend, with hints of caramel, vanilla and nuts accompanied by a light tobacco accent.

Cool Melon: A pleasant natural melon medley, with a moderate coolant on the finish.

Ice Pineapple: A mild candy pineapple with a moderate coolant finish.

In summary, the Mojo is a competent disposable pod system that does a good job of delivering nicotine in the simplest possible way. I don’t see it as a replacement for traditional pod systems, MTL tanks or AIOs but perhaps that’s not the point. For extremely stubborn smokers, or occasions that prevent the use of a fully fledged setup, the Mojo is a solid option.

PROS

- Extremely simple CONS - Cool vapour

YOOZ POD By Benedict Jones

Specifications:

Materials: Aluminium, PCTG

- Dimensions: 108mm*21mm*11.5mm

- Battery capacity: 350mAh internal cell

- E-liquid capacity: 2ml pre-filled pods - Charging: 1A Micro-USB

Love them or hate them, closed pod systems have democratised vaping, allowing people of any level of knowledge to give the technology a go. In the last 18 months, we’ve seen pods become the most ubiquitous devices and the most competitive sector of the market. The YOOZ is a new closed system which utilises FEELM technology coils, which we’ve praised highly in the past. Construction, fit and finish are among the best in class for closed systems. The aluminium unibody design feels solid and looks professional, with a satin finish and no visible seams. The pod connection is very secure, with absolutely no play. All previous devices using FEELMtech coils have been nicely built and this is no exception.

User experience is simplistic. This is a draw-activated device with pre-filled pods, so no maintenance to speak of. An LED on the chassis indicates when the device is firing and when the battery is depleted, though it would be nice to see an additional level of battery feedback. In terms of vape quality, the FEELMtech coils are outstanding for a pod system. YOOZ have opted for a tight MTL draw, which results in warm vapour, punchy flavour and an overall experience that near perfectly emulates a traditional cigarette. In previous reviews of FEELMtech pod systems, I’ve noted the accuracy of cigarette

emulation and in the case of the YOOZ, it’s another step up. The small 350mAh internal cell provides surprisingly good run time, too. I found it to last just over half a day’s moderate use on a charge when using the EU edition 20mg/ml pods, which is a little more than I would expect for the stated capacity. The device charges from flat to full in 30 minutes and can be vaped while charging, too, so down time is virtually non existent here.

We sampled four pre-filled pods during our testing period, here’s what you can expect:

Mango: A bright soda-style mango with moderately strong coolant.

Butter Tobacco: A moderately dark tobacco with rich caramel, dairy and vanilla notes.

Jasmine: A potent, authentic jasmine. Likely an acquired taste but very authentic.

Ice Green Tea: A herbal matcha-style green tea with a moderate coolant.

In summary, the YOOZ is among the very best closed pod systems around at time of writing. It ticks a lot of boxes, from build quality, to cigarette emulation and a diverse choice of flavours. This is a fantastic choice for new vapers, or veterans in need of something that’s plug and play without sacrificing vape quality.

Specifications:

- Dimensions: 91mm*28mm (widest point) – Tapered to 25mm

- Construction: Solid brass

- Weight: Approx 155g

- Switch: Constant contact design with brass plating

Making a mechanical mod compelling in 2019 is a tall order. It takes great performance, build quality, aesthetics and ease-of-use to really stand out. AMC are newcomers to the mech market and the Haka mod is their first release.

Construction, fit and finish are flawless. The tube itself is solid brass, coming in at approximately 155g. With thick walls and a relatively short 91mm height, this is a nice compromise between weight, resilience and size. Threading on both the 510 hybrid connection and switch is buttery smooth, so no issues here. The mod features a series of deep engravings, inspired by Mauri culture, a heritage that is shared by AMC’s founder Acapella. This is a personal touch with sincere meaning to the modder and that’s something we can all appreciate. Make no mistake, the Haka looks and feels like a top shelf mech mod.

Ergonomics are key with a traditional bottom-firing configuration and AMC have done well here, too. The mod tapers out in the middle, which allows the user to hold the device in a variety of ways and stops it from slipping when in use. This is a simple solution and we’ve seen similar designs in the past but it’s been implemented particularly well in this case, since the extra weight in the middle makes the Haka very stable when set down on a surface.

AMC’s approach to the switch assembly design clearly prioritises simplicity. This is a constant contact device, which means maintenance should be performed on the internals, rather than the external contact which interacts with the battery. Unthreading the self-adjusting Delrin insulator reveals a chunky spring and internal contact. You can then disassemble the rest of the switch by compressing the button and unthreading the internal contact. As far as constant contact switches go, this is one of the simplest designs I’ve seen and any experienced mech user should have no trouble with regular maintenance. You should take care when reassembling the Delrin insulator, since cross threading is possible, but I had no issues during testing, due to the precise tolerances of the threads. The Haka can accommodate 21700, 20700 or 18650 cells (with an

included adapter). Those looking for optimal performance should, of course, use a quality 21700 cell, since these boast lower internal resistance and higher amp limits. The Haka handily competes with the hardest-hitting mech tubes I’ve tested, with no noticeable voltage drop. Even when using an 18650 with the included adapter, I did not experience any substantial loss of power. This is impressive and may come as a surprise to some veterans, who swear by solid silver contacts. I was not able to detect any difference in power output between this device and one using 99% silver. Due to the venting design, we recommend orienting your battery positive down but there is room for gas to escape down the sides of the tube, so positive up isn’t out of the question.

In summary, the AMC Haka is a phenomenal mech mod. It’s built very nicely, has great performance and can accommodate all of the most common battery sizes. Knowing that there’s a personal story behind the design also adds to the appeal in my view and dealing with a small, independent company for after purchase care is always a huge bonus. The Haka should be near the top of any mech head’s list of mods to buy.

PROS

- Great build and finishing

- Minimal voltage drop

- Simple to maintain

- Affordable

AMC MODS HAKA By Benedict Jones

Hexa V2.0 By Benedict Jones

Specifications:

- Battery capacity: 350mAh

- E-liquid capacity: 2ml

Prefilled pod systems such as JUUL have made vaping accessible to even the most technologically averse. The convenience of a maintenance-free experience is undeniable. Could the HEXA V2.0 compete with vaping’s most ubiquitous device?

The HEXA V2.0 is extremely light and slender. It doesn’t feel quite as sturdy as some of its peers, but this is a compromise to achieve such an inconspicuous weight and form factor. As a device that is clearly aimed at smokers, choice to favour a lightweight design makes sense.

In terms of functionality and user experience, the HEXA V2.0 could not be simpler. This draw-activated device has no adjustable power or airflow settings and the pre-filled pods slide into place with a satisfying magnetic click. I was sceptical about the 350mAh cell but here the HEXA V2.0 exceeds expectations. As a primary device with 20mg/ml pods, I got just over half a day’s vaping and the device charged from flat to full in just over half an hour.

The vape quality of the pods is quite surprising, too. HEXA have opted for a freebase and salt nicotine “Hybrid Nicotine” blend so the 20mg/ ml pods provide a satisfying throat hit and speedy nicotine delivery at the same time.

The ceramic coils produce a relatively warm vape with a moderately tight MTL draw. The balance of airflow, vapour production and warmth closely emulate a traditional cigarette. The full 2ml capacity is a nice consumer-friendly touch. Each pod lasted last me just more than a day as a primary device.

The hardware is certainly up to scratch, but flavour selection is just as important with prefilled pods. We sampled the following:

Raspberry Frost: A moderately sweet candy, with an icy finish and soothing throat hit.

Menthol: Mildly sweet with a strong cooling finish.

Blueberry: A mellow candy blueberry, with hints of earthy sweetness and some sticky body.

Tobacco: Light and smoky with moderate sweetness and some mild nutty notes.

Mango: A pungent and sweet beverage-style mango with great throat hit.

All the flavours were well-executed and make for a well-rounded lineup. There are many more flavours are yet to come, too.

The HEXA V2.0 is a great all-round closed pod system, with good vape quality and a nice selection of flavours. It’s a great option for new vapers but also for veterans who need a hassle-free backup device. The Hybrid Nicotine formula works well and will likely be a big hit with those making the transition from traditional cigarettes.

PROS

- Good vape quality

- Good flavour selection

- Hassle free experience

CONS

- 350mAh internal cell won’t suit users who cannot charge during the day.

VAPEFLY GUNGNIR By Benedict Jones

Mod Specifications:

- Dimensions: 54.3mm*34.8mm*24.75mm - Power output: 5W-30W

- Battery capacity: 950mAh internal cell - Charging: 1A Micro-USB

Tank specifications:

- Dimensions: 46.4mm*19mm (height including drip tip) - E-liquid capacity: 2ml

Vapefly are relative newcomers to the hardware market but have already built a substantial following with a range of products that cater to vapers of all experience levels. The Gungnir is their latest starter kit, so is it a worthy addition to the catalogue?

Construction, fit and finish of the Gungnir are great for a mod of this type. Vapefly claim that the Gungnir is water and shock resistant and the rubberised polycarbonate shell certainly feels robust. Although this is a tiny, affordable mod, it is built nicely and will stand up to the occasional drop without issue. It’s not quite as sturdy as something like the Geekvape Aegis but it’s certainly more durable than the vast majority of stealth systems. The Micro-USB charging port is concealed by a substantial rubber seal and this does a good job of protecting it from wear and tear.

This is a rather basic mod that offers wattage and bypass modes only. Three clicks of the fire button brings up the menu where you can toggle between the two modes, though most users will likely stick to wattage. Though simplistic, it is nice to have variable power output on a device that’s as small as most pod systems and AIOs. The 0.42 inch OLED display is small but quite readable, with readouts for power, remaining battery life and the resistance of your atomiser. It’s a tall order to expect more functionality from a device of this size and I’ve had no issues with basic performance during my testing, when pairing the mod with a variety of MTL atomisers.

The Gungnir is bundled with the Galaxies MTL stock coil tank and I feel that this is an atomiser which has flown under the radar of many vapers. It’s a very simple design, incorporating top fill and a range of MTL airflow options that leave quite a few competitors in the dust. You can choose from one of five individual inlets, or open as many as you wish at once, depending on your preferred draw. At the tightest setting, this is a traditional MTL draw that many atomisers fail to provide these days and even when fully open, you can expect a moderate MTL experience that’s more akin to a modern pod system. The Galaxies tank is smooth and quiet on any of these settings, which is fantastic.

The kit is bundled with two replacement coils. The first is a 0.8Ohm

mesh head, rated for 13W-17W. I personally enjoyed it most at 15W, with the third largest airflow setting but really it performs fantastically at any of the recommended wattages or airflow settings, with punchy flavour and a pleasant throat hit. This makes it a cut above most stock MTL coils and other manufacturers should take note. Longevity was good but not outstanding here and I was able to run 20mls of moderately sweet e-liquid through the mesh coil before it deteriorated significantly.

The second coil is a 1.2Ohm round wire build rated for 9W-12W. It provides a very similar vape experience to the mesh coil, with marginally less poppy flavour, though it makes up for this with less power and e-liquid consumption. I found the longevity to be just about the same as the mesh coil, so there’s no clear winner and I think it’s really down to personal preference. The 950mAh internal cell of the Gungnir performs well and is a sensible pairing for the Galaxies tank. Using the mesh coil at 15W, filled with 20mg/ml nicotine salt e-liquid, I found the device to last just shy of a full day’s vaping on one charge. The battery life is extended slightly by using the round wire coil at 12W, where I was consistently able to get a full day’s use before depleting the battery. The device charges from flat to full in approximately one hour, which is well within acceptable limits. In summary, the Vapefly Gungnir is a fantastic miniature kit. It’s a great option for first time vapers due to its simplicity but I can also see it appealing to veterans who are looking for a stealthy stock coil MTL experience that doesn’t compromise on flavour.

Super Cool – Grape Blast

VG/PG Ratio: 35/65

Additional sweetener: High Throat hit: Extreme cooling

Cloudy O Funky describe Grape Blast as a red grape and ice blend. The main note here is an accurate red grape, which incorporates elements of the real fruit and some of the sticky texture of a candy. There’s a deeper note, too, which would seem to be candy blackcurrant, which is adding further sweetness, along with some tartness and mild florals. The blend is finished with an extreme dose of coolant, which does not interfere with the flavour.

Super Cool – Guava Peach

VG/PG Ratio: 35/65

Additional sweetener: High Throat hit: Extreme cooling

A simple blend of tropical guava, peach and coolant. Guava dominates this profile for me and it’s quite different from the usual fare. This is far more authentic than the candy guava note that’s present in many commercial e-liquids and carries some vivid florals, along with mild earthiness. The peach element of the blend is rather natural, too, though does bring a touch more sweetness to the mix, along with a mild tartness. The profile is finished with an extreme dose of coolant. Not for the faint of heart.

Super Cool – Strawberry Frost

VG/PG Ratio: 35/65

Additional sweetener: High Throat hit: Extreme cooling

A super simple strawberry and ice profile. The dominant note here is a heavy candy strawberry. It’s rather sweet but also brings substantial tartness to the blend, similar to what you would expect from a sour candy. There’s some sticky mouth-feel too, but not to the extent that the top note becomes overbearing. The blend is finished once again with an extreme dose of coolant.

Super Cool – Green Apple

VG/PG Ratio: 35/65

Additional sweetener: High Throat hit: Extreme cooling

A more familiar profile for western vapers. Though described as a simple green apple blend, to me this is much more reminiscent of pear. It’s bold, with an intense sweetness and authentic juicy mouthfeel. There are even hints of pear rind flavour, which is strangely pleasant. This all gives way to Cloudy O Funky’s signature coolant, which is strong as ever in this blend.

Super Cool – Lychee Longan

VG/PG Ratio: 35/65

Additional sweetener: High Throat hit: Extreme cooling

Another exotic flavour from the Super Cool Series. This is one of the most authentic lychee flavours I’ve had the pleasure of vaping, with a bright sweetness, juicy texture and heavy aromatic aftertaste that’s spot on to the real fruit. This is complemented by the flavour of Longan, a fruit popular in Asia. The Longan adds to the tropical sweetness and heavy aromatics of the lychee, making for a great pairing. The profile is finished with an extreme dose of coolant. While I very much enjoy this flavour, it’s important to know that it has a habit of staining polycarbonate tanks and pods, so do bear this in mind.

Super Cool – Laimoon

VG/PG Ratio: 35/65

Additional sweetener: High Throat hit: Extreme cooling

Cloudy O Funky describe Laimoon as a lemon and lime mixed beverage. A soda-style lime dominates the mix for me. It’s not quite as sharp as a natural lime but it’s not completely candied either and has a good amount of tartness on the finish, with a juicy mouthfeel. This is complemented by a sweeter lemon flavour, which more closely resembles lemonade than anything else. This combination of citrus notes tastes commendably similar to a certain lemon and lime soda drink that is popular throughout the world. The profile is finished with an extreme dose of coolant, which does not interfere with the flavours.

Vienna Cream

Percentage used and VG/PG ratio of mix: 1.5% at 70/30

Another of Flavour Art’s many cream/vanilla offerings. In my view, this is best suited to advanced mixers, since it’s a dominant flavour that can quickly unbalance a profile if not used with enough caution. Vienna Cream has a potent confectionary vanilla top note, with a light milky base and the slightest hint of a more substantial butter. Vienna Cream does have a slight sharpness when initially mixed but this subsides within 24 hours of steeping. This flavouring certainly has its place in sweetening bakery mixes and adding complexity to creams but it must be used sparingly.

Irish Cream

Percentage used and VG/PG ratio of mix: 2.5% at 70/30

Are you a fan of a certain whiskey and cream liqueur? FA’s Irish Cream emulates it perfectly. This concentrate brings a mild whiskey top note to any mix, enough to notice but not so much that it dominates the profile or becomes astringent. This is supported by a luxurious cream with moderate sweetness and a mild vanilla note. This can be used in single flavour mixes and works well in that application but it can also add complexity to bakery or coffee profiles if you want to be more adventurous. A fantastic flavouring that’s ideal for autumn/winter seasonal mixes.

Fresh Cream

Percentage used and VG/PG ratio of mix: 2% at 70/30

A Flavour Art classic. Any mixer worth their salt should have this in their collection. FA Fresh Cream is likely the most authentic on the market and it is used in countless commercial e-liquids. This flavouring brings an accurate dairy base to any mix, without adding much in the way of sweetness. This makes it extremely versatile and allows you to experiment with a multitude of other flavourings, without muting the recipe. You can pair Fresh Cream with virtually any FA fruit offering and vanilla for a simple but satisfying profile. The possibilities really are endless with this one.

Vanilla Tahity

Percentage used and VG/PG ratio of mix: 2% at 70/30

Flavour Art offer a huge range of vanilla concentrates, so it can be tricky to find the right one for your mix. Vanilla Tahity is quite complex and is neither a dark spiced vanilla nor a bright confectionary iteration. Instead, it’s a mix of the two and brings a slight nuttiness to mixes, along with a malted dark sweetness and substantial volume to the body of recipes. Due to its complexity, Vanilla Tahity can be used by novice mixers in single flavour e-liquids but I think this is a tool better used as a layer to increase the depth of bakery and cereal profiles. A unique vanilla.

Bavarian Cream

Percentage used and VG/PG ratio of mix: 2% at 70/30

A more recent addition to Flavour Art’s cream line up. Bavarian Cream is decidedly darker than other cream offerings, bringing a slight caramelised sugar note to any mix, along with some light spiced notes. It also has a mild creamy body but I would not consider it the foundation to the creaminess in a mix. This concentrate is best used to augment the other creams and add complexity, rather than being a starting point. When paired with FA’s Vanilla Ice Cream and Custard Premium, the darker notes make for a convincing malted milkshake. Something for the advanced mixers.

Treat – Nilla Craze

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

Air factory describe Nilla Craze as a combination of custard and creams. This is a staple among dessert profiles, so is it worth checking out? The top note here is of brown sugar or caramel. It’s sweet and slightly sticky but does not dominate the blend by any means. This is supported by a moderate custard layer, with noticeable egg, vanilla and dairy notes. This packs some serious volume and coats the palate, without becoming overly sweet. There are hints of a more authentic dairy cream but they work mainly to accent the custard notes, which make up the majority of the blend. A simple but competent custard that many will enjoy. Easily all day vape material.

Original/Frost – Tropic/Tropic Freeze

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild/Mild, with cooling

Tropic is described as a blend of kiwi and strawberry. This is a classic pairing of fruits and Air Factory have done well to balance them. Surprisingly, I found kiwi to be the more prominent flavour here. It has the tartness and sweetness of candy kiwi but also carries the slight vegetal notes and juicy texture of the real fruit, which is unique. A moderately strong candy strawberry complements these notes well, providing further sweetness and body, without detracting from the kiwi. For fans of cold vapes, Tropic Freeze takes this profile and adds a moderate helping of menthol.

Original/Frost – Wild Green/Crisp Green

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild/Mild, with cooling

Wild green is described as a blend of green apples and taffy candy. The dominant note here is a potent green apple candy. It’s moderately sweet, with substantial tartness that gives way to a pleasant juicy mouthfeel. This is complemented by a more reserved taffy candy note which boosts both the tartness and sweetness of the apple, whilst adding a sticky candy texture of its own. I was initially concerned that this profile would be too one dimensional but the taffy candy does keep things interesting and the main apple note is startlingly accurate to sour candy. For fans of cold vapes, there’s also Crisp Green, which adds a moderate helping of menthol to the profile, which makes it a touch lighter.

Original – Blue Razz

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

Every brand that offers a blue raspberry flavour seems to have an entirely different take on the profile and Air Factory is no exception. The top note here is a moderately sweet candy raspberry, with a nice helping of tartness on the finish and a sticky body. This is complemented by what seems to be candy blueberry, which is bringing some floral notes to the mix, along with a deeper sweetness and mild earthiness to the finish. There’s something else in the blend which is adding tartness, but it’s quite subtle and hard to identify, it could be a sour candy additive but there’s no way to be sure. A wellrounded blue raspberry mix.

Z Fuel - 01’OG

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

Zap!’s caffeinated Z Fuel range takes inspiration from popular energy drinks. And if you’ve ever enjoyed a certain green energy drink, you’ll immediately know what this one is emulating. I’m not quite sure how Zap! have done it, but OG perfectly replicates the flavour. This is bold, fruity and sweet. It is a mixed candy fruit profile, so those looking for a more natural fruit will be best served by other Zap! offerings, but if you’ve ever had the urge to vape your favourite energy drink, OG is the frontrunner by a country mile.

Z Fuel - 03’Citron Freeze

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

The intense Citron Freeze is one of the most bright and bold lemon profiles I’ve ever tried. The sweetness and sticky mouthfeel are backed up by a satisfying combination of bitterness and tartness that truly brings the profile to life. The intensity of the flavour may be off-putting for some, but those who like a blend that incorporates both lemonade and natural lemon zest will enjoy it greatly. The mix is finished with a mild dose of coolant, making for a light and moreish vape.

Pinkmanner

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Another fruit and menthol blend from Wanna Vapor. Raspberry is the key flavour here. It mostly brings candy raspberry notes to the mix, with thick sweetness and mouth-feel but also has some more natural tartness. This is contrasted by a mild candy pineapple, which builds on the tartness of the raspberry. There seems to be a lemon accent on the finish, too, which is adding even more candy brightness. A very mild menthol rounds the mix off. A beginner-friendly fruit menthol blend.

Multi Vit

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Multi Vit is described as a fruit cocktail with a hint of freshness. There’s a lot going on here but to me the key elements are a balanced mix of orange, cherry and strawberry. There’s a medley of more subtle fruits lower in the mix too and, on occasion, I can taste banana and kiwi but they are not as prominent as the other flavours. A very mild menthol finishes the profile. An interesting and complex fruit menthol mix.

Summer Ice

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Wanna Vapor describe Summer Ice as a fruit menthol blend and unfortunately the experience is about as vague as their description. There’s a mild tartness to this profile, along with some tropical sweetness but it lacks definition and, as a result, it’s impossible to say exactly what fruits are present here. A moderate menthol finishes the profile.

Vanille Pudding

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

Wanna Vapor describe this blend as a classic vanilla pudding. The top note is a bright confectionary vanilla with plenty of sweetness and none of the darker spiced notes. This is supported by a heavy dairy base, reminiscent of a custard. The profile is finished with a light caramel or brown sugar accent, which adds further sweetness. A simple but enjoyable dessert vape.

High Tide

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Described as a blend of strawberry, grape, boysenberry and menthol. Grape is the predominant flavour here for me. It’s rich and sweet, just like the American-style concord grape that has become so popular in other e-liquids. This is supported by a mild candy strawberry, which adds further sweetness and some sticky texture. The boysenberry note contrasts these sweeter notes with its bitterness and subtle floral finish. A moderate dose of menthol rounds out the profile, resulting in an unusual but satisfying fruit cocktail vape.

Buttermilk Shot

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Buttermilk Shot is billed as a blend of buttermilk and a mystery ingredient. The not so mysterious top note is a moderate candy lemon. It’s bright and has a good amount of tartness but doesn’t totally dominate the mix. This is supported by a moderate dairy base, with notes of cream and vanilla. To me, the end result is more reminiscent of lemon pudding than buttermilk with lemon but in any case it’s a competent dessert vape.

Melon-Berry Medley

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Melon-Berry Medley is described as a blend of watermelon, strawberry, kiwi and mint. The top note for me is a bold candy watermelon. It’s sweet and bright but unlike many other watermelon flavours, this one doesn’t carry any artificial off notes, which is a pleasant surprise. This is paired nicely with a moderate candy strawberry, which provides further sweetness and a lingering berry aftertaste. The kiwi element of this mix is quite subtle but still noticeable, adding a little tartness. The mix is finished with a light cooling mint, which results in a refreshing fruity blend with broad appeal.

Fruit Candy

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Described rather mysteriously as a blend of candy fruits, this is a rather odd profile from the Vape Juccier team. The top note appears to be concord grape with plenty of sweetness. This is paired with what seems to be a berry medley, though it is difficult to say as this layer is dominated by the more potent grape sitting on top. The mix is finished with a moderate helping of menthol, which keeps the profile light. In my opinion, Fruit Candy comes across as more of a Heisenberg variation, rather than a fruit candy medley. For this reason, it will likely be a popular blend, though I feel the name is a touch confusing.

Passionfruit Guava Punch

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

Fresh Farms describe this as a blend of passionfruit, guava and papaya. All three of these flavours can be very difficult to capture in e-liquid, so how do they work together? The dominant flavour for me is a rich candy guava. It’s quite sweet but also brings hints of tropical earthiness to the mix. This is contrasted with a brighter passionfruit, which cuts through the density of the guava and adds some tartness. The profile is finished with papaya, which is subtle but works to add a creamy texture to the profile without overcomplicating an already vibrant mix of flavours. A well-rounded tropical medley.

Blood Orange Cactus Cooler

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

Strawberry Coconut Refresher

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

This is simply described as a blend of strawberry and coconut but there’s almost certainly more going on here than meets the eye. The top note is undoubtedly a bright candy strawberry. It’s sweet, sticky and slightly more tart than you would usually expect but not totally out of character. This is contrasted with a creamy coconut base, which does a good job of adding some volume to the mouthfeel, without over-sweetening the mix. There’s an additional tropical tang on the finish that doesn’t seem like either of the two named elements of the profile, it could be pineapple or dragon fruit and in either case, it works to make this an intriguing but simple fruity vape.

A blend of blood orange, tangerine and cactus. An authentic mix of tangerine and blood orange dominate this profile. The two are sweet and tart in equal measure and are easily among the best portrayal of the fruits I’ve tasted in e-liquid, even if they are a little sweeter than their real-life counterparts. The cactus is quite subdued, which is surprising because usually it’s such a bold flavour. It’s still adding that unmistakable juicy texture, but I feel it could be a little higher in the mix, as it would serve as a better contrast to the citrus top notes in that case. Regardless, this is a lovely fruit profile.

Cremeaux Vanilla Custard

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

Vanilla custard profiles are often the barometer vapers use to measure the quality of a given dessert line up and Cremeaux is Drip Hacks’ offering. This is a simple, decadent custard blend. There’s a mild brown sugar or caramel top note, which provides dark sweetness, without dominating it. This gives way to a heavy custard base, with moderate egg and dairy notes, fantastic mouthfeel and moderate sweetness. The profile is finished with a light confectionary vanilla, that ties everything together. A great option for custard fans.

Acid Drop

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Acid Drop is a blend of kiwi, melon, grapefruit and coolant which is an unusual and ambitious profile. No one fruit totally dominates but cantaloupe melon is the most prominent to my palate. It’s quite authentic, with a pleasant juicy mouthfeel and moderate sweetness. This is contrasted by a light, authentic grapefruit note which adds a good dose of tartness to the blend, without bullying the other flavours. The kiwi is more subtle than the other fruits but does complement the blend nicely, with additional sweetness that pops up from time to time. The profile is finished with a mild coolant, keeping things light. A fantastic fruit-ice blend.

Blood of Vikings

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

Drip Hacks describe Blood of Vikings as a rhubarb and custard blend. This traditional British profile will always be divisive but they’ve absolutely nailed it here. Rhubarb is the dominant element and leans heavily into the candy connotations of the traditional sweet, rather than a softer-baked rhubarb flavour. The tartness of the rhubarb is contrasted with a mild custard base, which gives the profile further sweetness and substantial mouthfeel. A fantastic rhubarb and custard sweet blend.

Pineapple Blitz

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

A simple pineapple and mango blend from the Drip Hacks range. Pineapple is often a thinner flavour in e-liquid and can easily be bullied out of a mix, but in this case it takes centre stage. It’s more natural than most pineapple offerings, too, tasting more like pineapple juice than the sour candy flavour that we would usually expect. The top note is supported by a moderate soda-style mango, which provides further sweetness along with a mild earthiness that gives the profile more depth. A simple, but nicely executed, tropical blend.

Blue Slush

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

A simple blue slush profile from the Drip Hacks team. Unlike most blue slush style blends, this one leans heavily towards candy notes, making it rather unusual. The dominant flavour here is candy raspberry. It’s moderately sweet, with mild tartness on the finish and a slight sticky mouth-feel. It’s a little less heavy than other slush-style raspberries, which may be preferable for some vapers. The raspberry is complemented by a lighter candy blueberry, which provides additional tartness and moderate floral notes, without detracting from the raspberry. A different take on blue slush.

Cryo Mango

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

A stripped-back mango ice blend. This is a profile popularised by the wave of Malaysian e-liquid brands that took the UK market by storm a few years ago. Drip Hack’s version is much less sweet than its Malaysian counterparts but still has a bold, bright soda-style mango as the star of the show. It is sweet, mildly tart and has subtle hints of a deeper earthiness to boot. The profile is finished with a moderate dose of coolant, which does not impart any additional flavour or off notes. A simple, but very nicely executed, mango vape.

GY-4

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild

GY-4 is Grizwald’s take on the classic RY4 profile, a blend of tobacco and dessert elements. Unlike most RY4 mixes, this one focuses in more on the tobacco top note. It’s a little darker than I would usually expect, with mild smoked notes but not as pungent as a pipe tobacco. This is complemented by a subtle caramel accent which pairs nicely with the inherent sweetness of the tobacco. The profile is finished out with a mild vanilla which smoothes out the tobacco and amplifies the overall sweetness, without making this a true dessert tobacco blend. A different spin on a classic profile.

Country Store

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild

Grizwald’s enigmatically describe Country Store as a blend of subtle flavours including biscuit, dairy and popcorn. The main note here for me is a buttery biscuit. It has a good amount of dark sweetness and texture but is not as sweet as we might normally expect from a bakery profile. This is complemented by hints of vanilla and cream, which add volume but not much sweetness to speak of. There’s a slight bitterness to the finish, which is reminiscent of a light tobacco but this note is quite subtle and difficult to define. An interesting bakery blend for those who prefer their e-liquids to be less sweet.

Menthol Tabac

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

An extremely simple tobacco blend. Menthol and mint dominate this mix. There’s a good helping of natural mint here, which provides a baseline of herbal sweetness that quickly gives way to a moderate dose of menthol. The tobacco takes a back seat and is a tad more potent than something mild like a sweet virginia but not quite as dark or aromatic as an Asian tobacco. The result is a beginnerfriendly tobacco menthol blend that should be ideal for those seeking something less sweet than most commercial offerings.

Arctic Breeze

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

The simplest of the Grizwald’s blends that I have sampled for review. Arctic Breeze is billed as a mix of spearmint and menthol and that’s precisely the effect it achieves. Spearmint is the more prominent part of the profile, providing some sweetness and herbal notes. This gives way to a moderate menthol finish, resulting in a basic, but refreshing, vape.

Strawberry Milkshake

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild

Dessert blends don’t get much simpler than strawberry milkshake, so how does Grizwald’s fare? The top note in this case is a moderate candy strawberry. It’s not quite as bright as I would usually expect in this context but it is providing a good level of sweetness and some sticky texture. This is supported by a heavier vanilla and cream base, which gives a boost to the overall sweetness, along with additional volume to the mouth-feel. A simple, but satisfying, dessert mix that’s well-suited to new vapers.

Golden Burginia

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Moderate

Golden Burginia is described as a blend of multiple tobaccos. I was expecting a rather simple profile here but was mistaken. This is a rich and complex tobacco mix that hits a lot of notes. There’s some serious dark sweetness on offer, reminiscent of brown sugar, along with darker spice and mild smoky notes. On the finish, there’s a boozy note that’s quite similar to whisky. This does add a little throat hit to the mix but nothing that I found to be off putting. An interesting tobacco blend that should please fans of more adventurous profiles.

Eclypse – Mega Mango Lemonade

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

A simple blend from the Eclypse line-up. The top note here is a bright soda-style mango. It’s moderately sweet, with mild tartness and a lingering sticky body. This is contrasted with a sharper lemonade note, which cuts through some of the density of the top note, without dominating it. While present, the lemonade is well-balanced in the mix, allowing the mango to take centre stage. The profile is finished with a light dose of coolant, making for a refreshing beverage vape.

Eclypse – Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

A classic beverage profile. A moderate candy kiwi is the top note here, with mild sweetness and a good helping of tartness. This is complemented by a mild candy strawberry note which adds further sweetness and some sticky body. The lemonade base is more present than in other offerings from the Eclypse line and this is welcome considering the inherently sweeter nature of the top notes. The lemon brings additional tartness to the mix without overshadowing the more delicate kiwi notes. The profile is finished with a light coolant, making for a simple but refreshing vape.

Eclypse - Gushin’ Guava Limeade

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Guava seems to be growing in popularity among vapers, so is this one worth checking out? The guava in this case is more intense than the usual fare. It covers similar candy guava notes, with a dense sweetness and mouth-feel, but it also has some of the more pungent florals that are found in the real fruit, giving this profile added authenticity. This is contrasted with a mild limeade which adds some tartness to the finish without detracting from the guava, though I do feel it could be a touch higher in the mix. The profile is finished with a light coolant, which stops the top note from becoming overbearing.

Eclypse - Melon Medley Lemonade

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Melon blends can be tough to get right, especially with the off notes that some of these flavourings carry. In this case, Eclypse have done well. A combination of candy cantaloupe and watermelon are the main notes. These melons are bright and sweet, with substantial juicy texture. This is contrasted with a moderate lemonade base that brings some tartness to the mix, without dominating it. The profile is finished with a light coolant that does not interfere with the balance of flavours.

Eclypse - Cheeky Cherry Limeade

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Cherry profiles have historically suffered from heavy medicinal off notes but Cheeky Cherry Limeade seems to be an exception to the rule. The top note is an intense candy cherry, without any of the cough drop connotations. It’s sweet and mildly tart, with a pleasant candy mouth-feel that lingers for a while after vaping. The limeade note is quite subtle but does add some citric tang to the mix. The profile is finished with a light coolant, which adds to the beverage connotations.

Eclypse - Burstin’ Blue Lemonade

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

A simple blend of blueberry, raspberry and lemonade. Blueberry tends to be rather hit or miss in e-liquid but Eclypse have nailed it here. The blueberry top note has a balanced mix of candy sweetness, mild tartness and authentic floral notes, without becoming overly heavy or cloying as it often can do. The raspberry element is quite subtle but provides additional sweetness. The lemonade base is quite pronounced but makes a perfect pairing with the blueberry, offering some welcome citric tang that contrasts wonderfully with the florals. A mild coolant rounds out the mix nicely, making for a simple, but moreish, beverage vape that has become my personal favourite of the Eclypse range.

Salts - Pink Pyro

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild (10mg/ml nicotine salt)

Firehouse Vape describe Pink Pyro as a summer fruits blend. The top note is a bright candy raspberry. It’s sweet, with a syrup-like texture, not dissimilar to the flavour you would expect from raspberry sorbet. It has some mild tartness but it’s not quite as pronounced in the salt formulation. This is complemented by moderate mixed berry notes, with traces of candy strawberry and a more natural blackcurrant. The mix is finished with a hint of something mildly citric and to my palate it would appear to be pineapple, which provides further tartness without overshadowing the raspberry top note. An ideal mix for low power devices.

Salts - Blues And Twos

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling (10mg/ml nicotine salt)

Blues And Twos is a spearmint bubblegum blend, which has always been a popular profile in the UK. The top note here is a moderate candy spearmint, which is full-flavoured but does not pack any of the herbal notes that you might expect from a more natural portrayal. This is supported by a sweet bubblegum base. As ever, this is a rather ambiguous flavour but it should be familiar to anyone who has tried a certain fruity bubblegum in the past. This is a simplistic, unpretentious mix that should suit new vapers nicely. It’s apparent that Firehouse Vape have upped the flavour concentration for the salt version, which in my view is a good choice.

White Watch

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Firehouse Vape describe White Watch as a secret blend of fruits with a menthol finish. Any veteran vaper will immediately recognise this as a twist on the classic Heisenberg profile. The top note here is a moderate candy grape. It’s sweet and provides the mix with plenty of sticky mouthfeel. This is supported by a more reserved candy berry mix, which gives the blend some tartness and additional sweetness, without overpowering the grape top note. Normally in Heisenbergstyle blends we expect a good helping of aniseed but in this case I’m not detecting any. The profile is finished with an intense menthol, making for a refreshing and familiar fruit medley vape.

Salts - Lemon Blast

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild (10mg/ml nicotine salt)

Lemon Blast is the Firehouse Vape take on the classic lemon tart profile. The top note here is a reserved bakery lemon. It packs some of the tartness you would expect from the real thing but is tamed by slight creamy notes, reminiscent of a lemon curd. This is supported by a mild bakery vanilla, which gives the blend a boost of sweetness that you would expect from a lemon dessert. The mix is finished with a moderate bakery base, adding further buttery sweetness to the profile without weighing it down too much. Compared to the original formulation, I found the lemon to be more prominent, which may be due to the low power devices it was designed for.

Salts - Green Watch

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling (10mg/ml nicotine salt)

Green Watch is described as a tropical medley blended with watermelon. The top note here is a moderate candy watermelon. It brings plenty of sweetness to the mix, along with mild juicy mouthfeel. The main note of the tropical medley is a sweet mango to my palate. It’s more akin to a soda-style mango, rather than the more pungent south-east Asian flavour that is found in many other e-liquids. There may well be other tropical fruits in this supporting medley but they are difficult to discern as the mango is much more punchy. The mango also seems more prominent in the salt formulation compared to the original.

Salts - 999

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling (10mg/ml nicotine salt)

999 is an unconventional blend of mint and custard. The top note here is a heavy candy peppermint. It brings plenty of sweetness to the mix, along with some very mild herbal notes. This is supported by a moderate custard base, which gives a nice boost to the sweetness of the profile, along with voluminous mouthfeel provided by the mild vanilla and dairy notes. Though pleasant, this mix reminds me more of a toffee mint hard candy than a minty custard, since the mint is much more dominant than the custard element. An enjoyable if unusual vape.

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