Is IQOS Really Good?
Is IQOS really good? There is no need to say much about how popular IQOS is. It became so popular that sales of IQOS were banned in some places, probably because it posed a threat to tobacco tax revenues. Even in this context, many people still want to bu
Is IQOS Really Good?? IQOS has become so popular that some countries have banned its sale, likely due to its threat to tobacco tax revenues. Despite this, many people still want to buy IQOS; in fact, domestic versions have already been launched by companies. I started trying IQOS last year through a friend's recommendation, and I want to share my personal experience to help everyone understand what makes IQOS electronic cigarettes appealing:
1. Appearance
First, let's talk about the appearance of IQOS. Honestly, it looks quite nice at first glance. I purchased a complete set of devices and tobacco sticks through a friend, and upon receiving it, the packaging of the IQOS device was simple and elegant. The photo of the device on the box reminded me of a thermometer I had bought before. The charging device has a technological feel, and the device can be charged directly, which feels quite innovative.
2. Usability
From my personal experience, using IQOS can be somewhat cumbersome, especially when it comes to charging and inhaling.
First, regarding charging, the battery life of IQOS is the shortest I've seen among electronic cigarettes. A common pain point for those who buy IQOS in physical stores is its poor battery life. The mechanism allows for 16 puffs or 6 minutes of heating, whichever comes first, and often the tobacco stick runs out before the battery does, which feels wasteful, especially since the prices of M-brand and H-brand are not cheap.
It feels like carrying a phone with only 5% battery; you know it has some power left, but it shuts down after taking a couple of photos or scrolling through social media. This experience is really not pleasant. Although it has a 5-minute quick charge that restores full power, it still feels inconvenient.
Cleaning is also troublesome, as it easily accumulates carbon. IQOS needs to be cleaned at least once a day, and its heating element tends to accumulate carbon, which cannot be effectively cleaned (a little tip: using tweezers works well for cleaning carbon buildup), unlike LIL, which can automatically heat and clean the carbon.
The assembly process is definitely not simple either. When I first used it, I thought the tobacco stick needed to be twisted to fit securely inside, but no matter how I adjusted it, it felt wrong. After taking it out and pondering for a while, I realized that the tobacco stick cannot be rotated inside the device. I think this aspect could be more user-friendly.
3. Flavor
When the white light stays on, it indicates that the tobacco has been heated.
The initial flavor of IQOS can be rated as passing. The vapor is substantial and feels similar to real cigarettes. The initial sensation is relatively mild, with a strong mint flavor. The tar taste is significantly reduced, likely due to better filtration compared to traditional cigarettes, so those nearby won't experience that pungent smell. However, this also affects the flavor experience for the user.
The throat hit is not strong; taking deep puffs only makes the mint flavor feel a bit irritating, and I really didn't experience much else.
4. Health
The main reason we choose electronic cigarettes is that they are believed to be less addictive than traditional cigarettes, with lower tar and harmful substances. Quitting traditional cigarettes cold turkey is something I personally cannot handle. Therefore, I view electronic cigarettes as a transitional product to replace cigarettes, not something I would use indefinitely.
However, after using IQOS for nearly half a year, I feel it hasn't achieved this effect. I still smoke as frequently as before, mainly because it requires frequent charging, making it feel like I always have to keep it powered on. The addiction hasn't gone away; in fact, the variety of tobacco stick flavors has led my friends to abandon their plans to quit smoking and dive into various flavored sticks.
After seeing images online of used IQOS tobacco sticks, I became even more determined to give it up. Essentially, the harm is not much different from that of regular cigarettes, and it is indeed quite troublesome.
5. Price
The most direct reason for giving it up is the price; it is simply too expensive. The device set costs over a thousand yuan, and adding a pack of tobacco sticks costs three to four hundred, making it over 1400 yuan just to smoke. I think this price is still too extravagant for ordinary smokers in China, and the cost-performance ratio is really not high.
Later, a friend recommended a domestic IQOS electronic cigarette that can use IQOS tobacco sticks and has an automatic cleaning heating element, which feels more comfortable to use. Compared to smuggled IQOS, it also has after-sales support, making it seem more practical. At least the cost-performance ratio is high; it is essentially an upgraded version of IQOS that is worth trying.
#p#分页标题#e#
In summary, IQOS, backed by Marlboro tobacco, does have a good flavor and is enjoyable to smoke. However, the tobacco sticks are expensive and hard to buy domestically. Even if you manage to buy smuggled IQOS, there is no after-sales support. Personally, I do not recommend it. Of course, IQOS is indeed good, and we can consider the domestic version of IQOS. The domestic upgraded version of IQOS—Firearm GS5.0 is a more suitable choice!
1. Appearance
First, let's talk about the appearance of IQOS. Honestly, it looks quite nice at first glance. I purchased a complete set of devices and tobacco sticks through a friend, and upon receiving it, the packaging of the IQOS device was simple and elegant. The photo of the device on the box reminded me of a thermometer I had bought before. The charging device has a technological feel, and the device can be charged directly, which feels quite innovative.
2. Usability
From my personal experience, using IQOS can be somewhat cumbersome, especially when it comes to charging and inhaling.
First, regarding charging, the battery life of IQOS is the shortest I've seen among electronic cigarettes. A common pain point for those who buy IQOS in physical stores is its poor battery life. The mechanism allows for 16 puffs or 6 minutes of heating, whichever comes first, and often the tobacco stick runs out before the battery does, which feels wasteful, especially since the prices of M-brand and H-brand are not cheap.
It feels like carrying a phone with only 5% battery; you know it has some power left, but it shuts down after taking a couple of photos or scrolling through social media. This experience is really not pleasant. Although it has a 5-minute quick charge that restores full power, it still feels inconvenient.
Cleaning is also troublesome, as it easily accumulates carbon. IQOS needs to be cleaned at least once a day, and its heating element tends to accumulate carbon, which cannot be effectively cleaned (a little tip: using tweezers works well for cleaning carbon buildup), unlike LIL, which can automatically heat and clean the carbon.
The assembly process is definitely not simple either. When I first used it, I thought the tobacco stick needed to be twisted to fit securely inside, but no matter how I adjusted it, it felt wrong. After taking it out and pondering for a while, I realized that the tobacco stick cannot be rotated inside the device. I think this aspect could be more user-friendly.
3. Flavor
When the white light stays on, it indicates that the tobacco has been heated.
The initial flavor of IQOS can be rated as passing. The vapor is substantial and feels similar to real cigarettes. The initial sensation is relatively mild, with a strong mint flavor. The tar taste is significantly reduced, likely due to better filtration compared to traditional cigarettes, so those nearby won't experience that pungent smell. However, this also affects the flavor experience for the user.
The throat hit is not strong; taking deep puffs only makes the mint flavor feel a bit irritating, and I really didn't experience much else.
4. Health
The main reason we choose electronic cigarettes is that they are believed to be less addictive than traditional cigarettes, with lower tar and harmful substances. Quitting traditional cigarettes cold turkey is something I personally cannot handle. Therefore, I view electronic cigarettes as a transitional product to replace cigarettes, not something I would use indefinitely.
However, after using IQOS for nearly half a year, I feel it hasn't achieved this effect. I still smoke as frequently as before, mainly because it requires frequent charging, making it feel like I always have to keep it powered on. The addiction hasn't gone away; in fact, the variety of tobacco stick flavors has led my friends to abandon their plans to quit smoking and dive into various flavored sticks.
After seeing images online of used IQOS tobacco sticks, I became even more determined to give it up. Essentially, the harm is not much different from that of regular cigarettes, and it is indeed quite troublesome.
5. Price
The most direct reason for giving it up is the price; it is simply too expensive. The device set costs over a thousand yuan, and adding a pack of tobacco sticks costs three to four hundred, making it over 1400 yuan just to smoke. I think this price is still too extravagant for ordinary smokers in China, and the cost-performance ratio is really not high.
Later, a friend recommended a domestic IQOS electronic cigarette that can use IQOS tobacco sticks and has an automatic cleaning heating element, which feels more comfortable to use. Compared to smuggled IQOS, it also has after-sales support, making it seem more practical. At least the cost-performance ratio is high; it is essentially an upgraded version of IQOS that is worth trying.
#p#分页标题#e#
In summary, IQOS, backed by Marlboro tobacco, does have a good flavor and is enjoyable to smoke. However, the tobacco sticks are expensive and hard to buy domestically. Even if you manage to buy smuggled IQOS, there is no after-sales support. Personally, I do not recommend it. Of course, IQOS is indeed good, and we can consider the domestic version of IQOS. The domestic upgraded version of IQOS—Firearm GS5.0 is a more suitable choice!
