Comparative Review: Laan, RELX, and GR Vapes
2018 was undoubtedly the year of pod vapes. Whether at the Shenzhen International Vape Expo in April or across major e-commerce platforms, pod vaping devices reached an unprecedented share and surpassed the large cloud-chasing box mods favored by enthusia
2018 was undoubtedly the year of the pod system, as evidenced by the products showcased at the April Shenzhen International Vape Expo and the offerings on major e-commerce platforms, where the proportion of pod systems reached an unprecedented high, surpassing the beloved box mod products. This is an inevitable trend in the industry's development, as pod systems, designed as smoking cessation alternatives, represent the future of e-cigarettes.
The rise of the pod market has also made the products on the market diverse. Today, I have chosen three e-cigarettes that currently have excellent market reputation and reviews for a comparative evaluation: the JIL e-cigarette EX kit, the Laan e-cigarette Lite, and the RELX e-cigarette.
First, let's look at a simple comparison of the outer packaging. JIL adopts a classic pull-out design, while Laan and RELX use a flip-top design.
In terms of outer packaging, JIL and RELX are superior, as both packaging boxes are shrink-wrapped, and the product name, list, manufacturer information, precautions, and anti-counterfeiting information can be seen without unsealing. In contrast, Laan lacks this feature, which is a drawback, especially on e-commerce platforms where it is difficult to guarantee whether the consumer is purchasing a brand new product.
Next is the comparison of the included items. Here are the default kits I purchased from the official Tmall flagship stores.
JIL: battery rod, 5 mixed pods, 1 UBS charger, 1 mouthpiece sleeve, instruction manual;
Laan: battery rod, 1 pod, 1 UBS charger, 1 mouth sleeve, instruction manual;
RELX: battery rod, 2 pods, 1 UBS charger, 1 mouth sleeve, instruction manual;
For the main device comparison, I installed the pods onto the battery rods, which is how we typically use them. JIL has a realistic design, closely resembling a real cigarette, but it is longer than a real cigarette, making it feel like a pen when held casually. Laan features a rounded flat design, which is also quite stylish. RELX's shape is similar to many products on the market and can be described as conventional.
Below are some parameter comparisons; please refer to the chart below. The data comes from three sources: the official flagship store product detail pages, the instructions included with the products, and my own measurements.
From the table, it can be seen that the initial kit prices of the three e-cigarettes are not significantly different, all under 300 yuan. They all use a buttonless airflow sensor switch, making them very convenient to use. Installation is also quite simple; just insert or screw the pods into the battery rod to complete the setup.
Now, let me discuss their pros and cons, which is something many users are concerned about.
JIL e-cigarette
JIL has over 9 years of sales history in the United States, making its flavor profile its biggest feature. The variety of pods is richer, with a wide range of nicotine concentrations, including standard 1.2, 1.8, and 2.4, as well as 3.4 nicotine salt pods, catering to different levels of nicotine cravings. The 1.8 Chinese roasted tobacco pod I tested closely mimics the sensation of smoking a real cigarette; to exaggerate, if you close your eyes, you might feel like you are smoking a real cigarette. The design of the starter kit is also more user-friendly, as it includes pods of three different concentrations and five flavors for us to fully sample. Additionally, I noticed that the EX can also be used with an atomizer, which is a highlight, although I did not experience it. In terms of ongoing costs, JIL's pod prices are more competitive, with a pack of five pods priced at 99 yuan. The downside is that the JIL EX requires removing the pod while charging, meaning you cannot use it while charging.
Laan e-cigarette
Laan seems to be a new brand from last year, quickly capturing the market due to its industrial design. Laan has invested significant effort into product design, featuring magnetic panels in five colors that can be changed at any time, keeping your style fresh. The portable case is also a plus. However, objectively speaking, Laan's team seems to focus more on the product's appearance than its functionality. When I opened the package, one of the pods was leaking oil before I even used it, which was a disappointing experience.
RELX e-cigarette
RELX is also a brand that has gained increasing recognition in recent years, especially after securing a recent investment, with upgraded packaging that looks very sophisticated. I tried the refreshing mint flavor, and the 5% nicotine salt is indeed quite strong, with a very intense mint flavor that left me a bit lightheaded after use. However, the vapor production and draw resistance were quite good, with the vapor being the largest among the three. RELX's product manual is also well done, featuring some humorous phrases that are quite relatable.
Overall, I have described my experience with these three popular e-cigarettes as objectively as possible, hoping to assist friends who are interested in these brands.
The rise of the pod market has also made the products on the market diverse. Today, I have chosen three e-cigarettes that currently have excellent market reputation and reviews for a comparative evaluation: the JIL e-cigarette EX kit, the Laan e-cigarette Lite, and the RELX e-cigarette.
First, let's look at a simple comparison of the outer packaging. JIL adopts a classic pull-out design, while Laan and RELX use a flip-top design.
In terms of outer packaging, JIL and RELX are superior, as both packaging boxes are shrink-wrapped, and the product name, list, manufacturer information, precautions, and anti-counterfeiting information can be seen without unsealing. In contrast, Laan lacks this feature, which is a drawback, especially on e-commerce platforms where it is difficult to guarantee whether the consumer is purchasing a brand new product.
Next is the comparison of the included items. Here are the default kits I purchased from the official Tmall flagship stores.JIL: battery rod, 5 mixed pods, 1 UBS charger, 1 mouthpiece sleeve, instruction manual;
Laan: battery rod, 1 pod, 1 UBS charger, 1 mouth sleeve, instruction manual;
RELX: battery rod, 2 pods, 1 UBS charger, 1 mouth sleeve, instruction manual;
For the main device comparison, I installed the pods onto the battery rods, which is how we typically use them. JIL has a realistic design, closely resembling a real cigarette, but it is longer than a real cigarette, making it feel like a pen when held casually. Laan features a rounded flat design, which is also quite stylish. RELX's shape is similar to many products on the market and can be described as conventional.
Below are some parameter comparisons; please refer to the chart below. The data comes from three sources: the official flagship store product detail pages, the instructions included with the products, and my own measurements.
From the table, it can be seen that the initial kit prices of the three e-cigarettes are not significantly different, all under 300 yuan. They all use a buttonless airflow sensor switch, making them very convenient to use. Installation is also quite simple; just insert or screw the pods into the battery rod to complete the setup.Now, let me discuss their pros and cons, which is something many users are concerned about.
JIL e-cigarette
JIL has over 9 years of sales history in the United States, making its flavor profile its biggest feature. The variety of pods is richer, with a wide range of nicotine concentrations, including standard 1.2, 1.8, and 2.4, as well as 3.4 nicotine salt pods, catering to different levels of nicotine cravings. The 1.8 Chinese roasted tobacco pod I tested closely mimics the sensation of smoking a real cigarette; to exaggerate, if you close your eyes, you might feel like you are smoking a real cigarette. The design of the starter kit is also more user-friendly, as it includes pods of three different concentrations and five flavors for us to fully sample. Additionally, I noticed that the EX can also be used with an atomizer, which is a highlight, although I did not experience it. In terms of ongoing costs, JIL's pod prices are more competitive, with a pack of five pods priced at 99 yuan. The downside is that the JIL EX requires removing the pod while charging, meaning you cannot use it while charging.
Laan e-cigarette
Laan seems to be a new brand from last year, quickly capturing the market due to its industrial design. Laan has invested significant effort into product design, featuring magnetic panels in five colors that can be changed at any time, keeping your style fresh. The portable case is also a plus. However, objectively speaking, Laan's team seems to focus more on the product's appearance than its functionality. When I opened the package, one of the pods was leaking oil before I even used it, which was a disappointing experience.
RELX e-cigarette
RELX is also a brand that has gained increasing recognition in recent years, especially after securing a recent investment, with upgraded packaging that looks very sophisticated. I tried the refreshing mint flavor, and the 5% nicotine salt is indeed quite strong, with a very intense mint flavor that left me a bit lightheaded after use. However, the vapor production and draw resistance were quite good, with the vapor being the largest among the three. RELX's product manual is also well done, featuring some humorous phrases that are quite relatable.
Overall, I have described my experience with these three popular e-cigarettes as objectively as possible, hoping to assist friends who are interested in these brands.
