IQOS Mesh Pod Vape Review
IQOS has finally launched a compact pod device. The IQOS Mesh is a new-generation ultra-convenient electronic cigarette that is starting to appear on shelves in various markets. Although we are mainly interested in heated tobacco devices, we also think po
IQOS has finally released a pod vaping device, the IQOS Mesh, which is a new generation of ultra-convenient electronic cigarettes appearing on shelves everywhere. While we are primarily interested in Heat not Burn devices, we think pod mods are cool as well – they are easier to use than traditional e-cigarettes, making them ideal for those who want something as simple as a cigarette. We are now also selling a new type of IQOS Mesh from PMI, so I thought it would be a good idea to check it out. The Mesh has been officially ordered and went on sale late last week, along with the corresponding pods for the IQOS device.
IQOS Mesh Appearance
The new IQOS Mesh comes in a neat cardboard box; pulling off the top reveals the device itself sitting in the usual plastic tray. It didn't take long to notice the differences. The new Mesh is longer and slimmer than the old one and feels of higher quality. My old Mesh had a rubber plastic body, was short, and had a flat oval cross-section; the new one is aluminum and round, except for the plastic end cap. A nice touch is that if you place it on a table, there is a flat strip on one side to help prevent it from rolling. Two-thirds of the body has a nice satin finish; the hollow top is highly polished.
This is a very simple device. There is a power button that turns the Mesh on or off when pressed for three seconds. The end cap has a micro USB charging port and an LED indicator light that shows when it is charging. The other end is open; this is where you insert the VEEV pod.
Overall, the IQOS Mesh feels very solid, yet it is also very lightweight. It is a much larger device than a JUUL or MyBlu, about the size of a large cigar, but every time I pick it up, I am surprised by how much it weighs. This is impressive considering the all-metal body and the fact that it houses a 900mAh battery.
Aside from the mod itself, there isn't much in the box. Pull out the tray and open the cardboard cover underneath, and you will find a charging cable and a UK plug adapter, and that's it.
Review
Anyway, I don't believe in messing around, so shortly after playing with my new toy, I plugged it in and charged the battery. It charged nicely directly from the box, so the next time I stepped away from my screen for a minute, it was ready (it takes about an hour to fully charge).
Once the battery was fully charged, I installed a tobacco-flavored pod and turned it on. These are also very different from the old mesh pods. First, they are much smaller. The old atomizers were at the end of the battery, with a lot of empty space inside; the new ones insert into the hollow cone at the top of the mod, allowing for a more compact design for similar liquid capacity (I don't remember how much the old capacity was, but they comply with TPD standards, so they are no more than 2ml; the new ones contain 2ml of 6mg, 11mg, or 18mg e-liquid). However, the actual heating element is the same concept; instead of a coil, it is a small square fine metal mesh that looks like a wick, so there is no risk of burning. In fact, the Mesh is actually a temperature control device.
To prevent liquid from moving in unused pods and dripping from the mouthpiece, each pod is equipped with a small rubber seal. After opening the pod, you simply pull out the seal and insert the pod into the end of the device. They fit either way; just don't force it in. If it doesn't go in, just gently twist it until it does.
Once the pod is installed, you just press the button for a few seconds until it lights up, then take a puff. The Mesh has an automatic switch that heats up when you puff. The button is purely an on/off switch. If you don't puff for three minutes, the Mesh will automatically turn off again.
As for the actual vaping experience, I was impressed! I read a review that said the vapor production and throat hit were disappointing. Well, I can only say they must have done something wrong because I got a lot of vapor from it. Does the throat hit compare to what I get from my usual Rouleaux RX200 with 24mg liquid in an infinite RDTA combo? Of course not. The throat hit and real smoke are still very close, after all, it is the IQOS brand. And this IQOS pod device absolutely has no leaking issues.
There are two flavors – tobacco, which is a rich tobacco blend, and cool mint; you can guess which one is preferred. Both flavors are great; although I never liked mint cigarettes, I particularly enjoy the mint pods. For average users, the pods should last about 2 days, making it roughly equivalent to 2 packs of cigarettes – and at £2.99 for a pack of two, it's much cheaper. The battery holds enough charge to last through the entire pod and part of the next pod, but I tend to charge it between pods anyway.
It is important to remember that the Mesh is not designed to replace your favorite mod and dripper. It is an easy-to-use but very effective device aimed at those who just want a simple alternative to cigarettes. I think it is an ideal choice – if you want something compact and easy to carry to the bar, this is a great option. In short, it does exactly what a pod mod should do, and it does it very well.
Summary
Last year when I tried it, I liked the original Mesh, and I like the new improved version even more. PMI has taken a good basic concept and made it even better, producing a well-made pod mod that is simple, effective, and extremely good value. If you are looking for a vaping device that works well without using refillable e-cigarettes or DIY e-cigarettes, the IQOS Mesh is a great choice.
IQOS Mesh Appearance
The new IQOS Mesh comes in a neat cardboard box; pulling off the top reveals the device itself sitting in the usual plastic tray. It didn't take long to notice the differences. The new Mesh is longer and slimmer than the old one and feels of higher quality. My old Mesh had a rubber plastic body, was short, and had a flat oval cross-section; the new one is aluminum and round, except for the plastic end cap. A nice touch is that if you place it on a table, there is a flat strip on one side to help prevent it from rolling. Two-thirds of the body has a nice satin finish; the hollow top is highly polished.
This is a very simple device. There is a power button that turns the Mesh on or off when pressed for three seconds. The end cap has a micro USB charging port and an LED indicator light that shows when it is charging. The other end is open; this is where you insert the VEEV pod.Overall, the IQOS Mesh feels very solid, yet it is also very lightweight. It is a much larger device than a JUUL or MyBlu, about the size of a large cigar, but every time I pick it up, I am surprised by how much it weighs. This is impressive considering the all-metal body and the fact that it houses a 900mAh battery.
Aside from the mod itself, there isn't much in the box. Pull out the tray and open the cardboard cover underneath, and you will find a charging cable and a UK plug adapter, and that's it.
Review
Anyway, I don't believe in messing around, so shortly after playing with my new toy, I plugged it in and charged the battery. It charged nicely directly from the box, so the next time I stepped away from my screen for a minute, it was ready (it takes about an hour to fully charge).
Once the battery was fully charged, I installed a tobacco-flavored pod and turned it on. These are also very different from the old mesh pods. First, they are much smaller. The old atomizers were at the end of the battery, with a lot of empty space inside; the new ones insert into the hollow cone at the top of the mod, allowing for a more compact design for similar liquid capacity (I don't remember how much the old capacity was, but they comply with TPD standards, so they are no more than 2ml; the new ones contain 2ml of 6mg, 11mg, or 18mg e-liquid). However, the actual heating element is the same concept; instead of a coil, it is a small square fine metal mesh that looks like a wick, so there is no risk of burning. In fact, the Mesh is actually a temperature control device.
To prevent liquid from moving in unused pods and dripping from the mouthpiece, each pod is equipped with a small rubber seal. After opening the pod, you simply pull out the seal and insert the pod into the end of the device. They fit either way; just don't force it in. If it doesn't go in, just gently twist it until it does.Once the pod is installed, you just press the button for a few seconds until it lights up, then take a puff. The Mesh has an automatic switch that heats up when you puff. The button is purely an on/off switch. If you don't puff for three minutes, the Mesh will automatically turn off again.
As for the actual vaping experience, I was impressed! I read a review that said the vapor production and throat hit were disappointing. Well, I can only say they must have done something wrong because I got a lot of vapor from it. Does the throat hit compare to what I get from my usual Rouleaux RX200 with 24mg liquid in an infinite RDTA combo? Of course not. The throat hit and real smoke are still very close, after all, it is the IQOS brand. And this IQOS pod device absolutely has no leaking issues.
There are two flavors – tobacco, which is a rich tobacco blend, and cool mint; you can guess which one is preferred. Both flavors are great; although I never liked mint cigarettes, I particularly enjoy the mint pods. For average users, the pods should last about 2 days, making it roughly equivalent to 2 packs of cigarettes – and at £2.99 for a pack of two, it's much cheaper. The battery holds enough charge to last through the entire pod and part of the next pod, but I tend to charge it between pods anyway.
It is important to remember that the Mesh is not designed to replace your favorite mod and dripper. It is an easy-to-use but very effective device aimed at those who just want a simple alternative to cigarettes. I think it is an ideal choice – if you want something compact and easy to carry to the bar, this is a great option. In short, it does exactly what a pod mod should do, and it does it very well.
Summary
Last year when I tried it, I liked the original Mesh, and I like the new improved version even more. PMI has taken a good basic concept and made it even better, producing a well-made pod mod that is simple, effective, and extremely good value. If you are looking for a vaping device that works well without using refillable e-cigarettes or DIY e-cigarettes, the IQOS Mesh is a great choice.
