2018 Recommended Refillable Pod Systems
If friends used to ask me what refillable pod systems I recommended in 2018, I’d always tell them not to touch them at all—the flavor was just too far off. But today, newly designed pod systems have gradually caught up in taste, and with easy portability
If friends used to ask me for recommendations on refillable pod systems in 2018, I would have simply told them, "Don't even touch them!" The taste was just too poor. However, today, with the newly designed pod systems, the taste has gradually improved, and they are easy to carry and operate, becoming one of the essential gear for new users or seasoned vapers on the go. Recently, I have tried over thirty different pod systems, and I plan to select a few that I feel are good from the mainstream popular options.
Pod-type (non-refillable) systems
To evaluate the quality of pod systems, I use three criteria: first, taste (the flavor must be acceptable); second, draw resistance (the draw should not differ too much from traditional cigarettes, and the area that contacts the lips should be as comfortable as possible); third, portability and battery life (pursuing extreme portability while maintaining a certain level of battery life). Some pod systems require you to replace the pod directly after use, while others allow you to refill e-liquid, depending on personal preference, without distinguishing between good or bad.
PHIX
Produced by the well-known American e-liquid manufacturer BREWELL, the PHIX pods have a pure taste, with many flavor options available. Most of the pods have a good flavor, which is its biggest competitive advantage. The design and craftsmanship have a sense of quality, and the grip is comfortable. The draw-activated switch allows you to start vaping as soon as you pick it up. This design pioneered the pod system trend, and subsequent pod systems have largely imitated this shape, which has been widely copied but not surpassed. Currently, the pods come in nicotine strengths of 5mg and 1.8mg, both providing a satisfying throat hit. For me, the 5mg version satisfies my cravings after 3-7 puffs.
MT
A domestic pod system that resembles the PHIX in appearance, but the internal structure of the pods is actually more similar. The flavor and throat hit of the original tobacco pods are comparable to those of the PHIX. The craftsmanship, grip, and color matching are all good, offering a high cost-performance ratio. The e-liquid contains nicotine salts (5%), providing a strong satisfaction for those looking to quit smoking.
RELX
The packaging, instructions, and the entire product are very "thoughtful," breaking away from the disdainful attitude many vape manufacturers have towards Chinese. The machine's craftsmanship and grip are excellent, and the mouthpiece is flat and rounded, providing a good "lip feel." The pods use a ceramic core, and the refreshing mint pod has a good flavor, designed specifically to control condensation, which is quite effective.
Little Spicy Strip E-Cigarette
The Little Spicy Strip adopts independent packaging, with each package sealed. The official claims there are six flavors available: classic tobacco, blueberry burst, rich tobacco, icy lychee, macchiato coffee, and blueberry raspberry.
Buying one for yourself is also a great choice, and giving it to friends is also impressive. As a man, cigarettes are suitable for many occasions, whether for business or leisure. In some white-collar offices where smoking is not allowed, e-cigarettes are also a good alternative.
Comparison:
PHIX has many flavors, all of which are acceptable; MT has good flavor and craftsmanship; RELX has a refreshing mint pod with good flavor and effective condensation control. Notably, MT includes a regular tobacco pod with its kit, while RELX includes a refreshing mint pod, indicating that they are both aware of their strengths!
Not Recommended:
NRX: Good craftsmanship, strong throat hit from nicotine salt pods, but the flavor is weak, and performance is average, with no standout features.
Sikary Spod: The accompanying box has a high-end feel, and the craftsmanship is acceptable. The design of the pods shows thoughtfulness. The throat hit from the e-liquid is very noticeable, but unfortunately, the flavor of the pods is lacking, with the tobacco flavor being overly sweet and unpleasant, while the fruit flavors are average. If the flavor of the pods can improve significantly, it would be worth buying.
BO: The throat hit of the pods is okay, but the craftsmanship is average, and there are condensation issues, with no significant highlights overall.
Juul: An old device, a pioneer, deserving respect, but no longer has any special features.
Cloupor Veer: Good craftsmanship, average flavor, average e-liquid performance, and some oil leakage (condensation).
Refillable pod systems
Refillable pod systems reduce the cost of replacing pods and allow for trying different e-liquid flavors, but the trade-off is a slight increase in size. Since you choose this type, you no longer pursue the smallest size but rather the best overall experience.
SMOK INFINIX
A well-balanced pod system that allows refilling, has good flavor, moderate draw resistance, and has not shown any leaking or oil spitting. It produces a decent amount of vapor, and those with DIY skills can rebuild the atomizer. My experience with it is slightly better than its sibling product, the SMOK FIT KIT. It maintains the shape of a stick while allowing for refilling, which is commendable.
MINIFIT
Extremely small, only half the length of the PHIX (slightly thicker), and one-third the size of the Light Breeze 2, achieving good performance and flavor in such a small size. The craftsmanship is good, with a matte metal finish. The small atomizer surprisingly delivers a good flavor. It has a button-activated draw, with draw resistance similar to traditional cigarettes. There is some oil spitting, but it does not affect usability. Overall, it is an excellent product.
MISSION E-Cigarette
I heard there is a collaboration with Xiaomi. It looks like a USB drive, and I was initially indifferent to this design, but the actual experience makes it one of my favorite pod systems. The refilling method is very scientific, preventing leaks, and there are many thoughtful designs. The craftsmanship is excellent, with good flavor, no oil spitting, and decent vapor production. It uses a push-button activation, which ignites the device when pushed and makes a crisp sound when released, providing a satisfying vaping experience.
Kleinpeng S8
The atomizer uses cotton wicks, with average performance in flavor, vapor, and draw resistance. Its biggest feature is the design, which feels very smooth in hand. Taking a puff of this "shiny oval" in public feels different from using a traditional stick. Those who like it will enjoy it, while those who don't will not.
Light Breeze 2
This is the largest pod system among these options, with specifications approaching those of a small box. The larger size brings good flavor (with a vapor core almost identical to that of a box); the vapor is moderate and not particularly large; the replaceable atomizer is similar to that of a finished product; the airflow is adjustable; the draw resistance is better than the previous generation but still slightly airy; the 1000mAh battery is comparable to that of a box. My evaluation of it should be "the smallest integrated box available"; if you want a box and hope for the smallest size with the highest integration, this is suitable for you.
Comparison:
Many people ask me how to choose among these refillable options. This question is indeed difficult but also simple. Their biggest difference lies in their positioning. The SMOK INFINIX is clearly designed to achieve refillability under the popular PHIX shape, while the MINIFIT aims to achieve the smallest size while pursuing flavor. MISSION takes a completely different path with thoughtful design, while Kleinpeng S8 revolves around its shape, and Light Breeze 2 aims to be the smallest box. They have all achieved the best in their respective positions, so choose based on which positioning you prefer.
Not Recommended:
Warlock Peas: Almost no flavor, significant oil spitting, and oil leakage (condensation), with rough craftsmanship.
YEM: The technology of the stick and atomizer is relatively outdated, and the design is cumbersome.
SMOK FIT KIT: The flavor is acceptable, with no oil spitting, but significant condensation. Compared to the SMOK INFINIX, it produces slightly less vapor, has a slightly worse flavor, and greater draw resistance, but better craftsmanship, resulting in an overall slightly inferior experience.
Joyetech Exceed Edge: The flavor is good (with some restoration), with no oil spitting or leakage. It produces a lot of vapor, with excellent craftsmanship, but the overall size is large, with a metal body. The push-button activation and replaceable atomizer indicate that many of its specifications are approaching those of a box. However, it is heavy, and the overall weight is close to that of a single battery box, which is not ideal for a pod system meant for pocket use.
Pod-type (non-refillable) systems
To evaluate the quality of pod systems, I use three criteria: first, taste (the flavor must be acceptable); second, draw resistance (the draw should not differ too much from traditional cigarettes, and the area that contacts the lips should be as comfortable as possible); third, portability and battery life (pursuing extreme portability while maintaining a certain level of battery life). Some pod systems require you to replace the pod directly after use, while others allow you to refill e-liquid, depending on personal preference, without distinguishing between good or bad.
PHIX
Produced by the well-known American e-liquid manufacturer BREWELL, the PHIX pods have a pure taste, with many flavor options available. Most of the pods have a good flavor, which is its biggest competitive advantage. The design and craftsmanship have a sense of quality, and the grip is comfortable. The draw-activated switch allows you to start vaping as soon as you pick it up. This design pioneered the pod system trend, and subsequent pod systems have largely imitated this shape, which has been widely copied but not surpassed. Currently, the pods come in nicotine strengths of 5mg and 1.8mg, both providing a satisfying throat hit. For me, the 5mg version satisfies my cravings after 3-7 puffs.
MT
A domestic pod system that resembles the PHIX in appearance, but the internal structure of the pods is actually more similar. The flavor and throat hit of the original tobacco pods are comparable to those of the PHIX. The craftsmanship, grip, and color matching are all good, offering a high cost-performance ratio. The e-liquid contains nicotine salts (5%), providing a strong satisfaction for those looking to quit smoking.
RELX
The packaging, instructions, and the entire product are very "thoughtful," breaking away from the disdainful attitude many vape manufacturers have towards Chinese. The machine's craftsmanship and grip are excellent, and the mouthpiece is flat and rounded, providing a good "lip feel." The pods use a ceramic core, and the refreshing mint pod has a good flavor, designed specifically to control condensation, which is quite effective.Little Spicy Strip E-Cigarette
The Little Spicy Strip adopts independent packaging, with each package sealed. The official claims there are six flavors available: classic tobacco, blueberry burst, rich tobacco, icy lychee, macchiato coffee, and blueberry raspberry.
Buying one for yourself is also a great choice, and giving it to friends is also impressive. As a man, cigarettes are suitable for many occasions, whether for business or leisure. In some white-collar offices where smoking is not allowed, e-cigarettes are also a good alternative.
Comparison:
PHIX has many flavors, all of which are acceptable; MT has good flavor and craftsmanship; RELX has a refreshing mint pod with good flavor and effective condensation control. Notably, MT includes a regular tobacco pod with its kit, while RELX includes a refreshing mint pod, indicating that they are both aware of their strengths!
Not Recommended:
NRX: Good craftsmanship, strong throat hit from nicotine salt pods, but the flavor is weak, and performance is average, with no standout features.
Sikary Spod: The accompanying box has a high-end feel, and the craftsmanship is acceptable. The design of the pods shows thoughtfulness. The throat hit from the e-liquid is very noticeable, but unfortunately, the flavor of the pods is lacking, with the tobacco flavor being overly sweet and unpleasant, while the fruit flavors are average. If the flavor of the pods can improve significantly, it would be worth buying.
BO: The throat hit of the pods is okay, but the craftsmanship is average, and there are condensation issues, with no significant highlights overall.
Juul: An old device, a pioneer, deserving respect, but no longer has any special features.
Cloupor Veer: Good craftsmanship, average flavor, average e-liquid performance, and some oil leakage (condensation).
Refillable pod systems
Refillable pod systems reduce the cost of replacing pods and allow for trying different e-liquid flavors, but the trade-off is a slight increase in size. Since you choose this type, you no longer pursue the smallest size but rather the best overall experience.
SMOK INFINIX
A well-balanced pod system that allows refilling, has good flavor, moderate draw resistance, and has not shown any leaking or oil spitting. It produces a decent amount of vapor, and those with DIY skills can rebuild the atomizer. My experience with it is slightly better than its sibling product, the SMOK FIT KIT. It maintains the shape of a stick while allowing for refilling, which is commendable.
MINIFIT
Extremely small, only half the length of the PHIX (slightly thicker), and one-third the size of the Light Breeze 2, achieving good performance and flavor in such a small size. The craftsmanship is good, with a matte metal finish. The small atomizer surprisingly delivers a good flavor. It has a button-activated draw, with draw resistance similar to traditional cigarettes. There is some oil spitting, but it does not affect usability. Overall, it is an excellent product.
MISSION E-Cigarette
I heard there is a collaboration with Xiaomi. It looks like a USB drive, and I was initially indifferent to this design, but the actual experience makes it one of my favorite pod systems. The refilling method is very scientific, preventing leaks, and there are many thoughtful designs. The craftsmanship is excellent, with good flavor, no oil spitting, and decent vapor production. It uses a push-button activation, which ignites the device when pushed and makes a crisp sound when released, providing a satisfying vaping experience.
Kleinpeng S8
The atomizer uses cotton wicks, with average performance in flavor, vapor, and draw resistance. Its biggest feature is the design, which feels very smooth in hand. Taking a puff of this "shiny oval" in public feels different from using a traditional stick. Those who like it will enjoy it, while those who don't will not.
Light Breeze 2
This is the largest pod system among these options, with specifications approaching those of a small box. The larger size brings good flavor (with a vapor core almost identical to that of a box); the vapor is moderate and not particularly large; the replaceable atomizer is similar to that of a finished product; the airflow is adjustable; the draw resistance is better than the previous generation but still slightly airy; the 1000mAh battery is comparable to that of a box. My evaluation of it should be "the smallest integrated box available"; if you want a box and hope for the smallest size with the highest integration, this is suitable for you.
Comparison:
Many people ask me how to choose among these refillable options. This question is indeed difficult but also simple. Their biggest difference lies in their positioning. The SMOK INFINIX is clearly designed to achieve refillability under the popular PHIX shape, while the MINIFIT aims to achieve the smallest size while pursuing flavor. MISSION takes a completely different path with thoughtful design, while Kleinpeng S8 revolves around its shape, and Light Breeze 2 aims to be the smallest box. They have all achieved the best in their respective positions, so choose based on which positioning you prefer.
Not Recommended:
Warlock Peas: Almost no flavor, significant oil spitting, and oil leakage (condensation), with rough craftsmanship.
YEM: The technology of the stick and atomizer is relatively outdated, and the design is cumbersome.
SMOK FIT KIT: The flavor is acceptable, with no oil spitting, but significant condensation. Compared to the SMOK INFINIX, it produces slightly less vapor, has a slightly worse flavor, and greater draw resistance, but better craftsmanship, resulting in an overall slightly inferior experience.
Joyetech Exceed Edge: The flavor is good (with some restoration), with no oil spitting or leakage. It produces a lot of vapor, with excellent craftsmanship, but the overall size is large, with a metal body. The push-button activation and replaceable atomizer indicate that many of its specifications are approaching those of a box. However, it is heavy, and the overall weight is close to that of a single battery box, which is not ideal for a pod system meant for pocket use.
