Kuanzhai Kungfu E-Cigarette vs IQOS
After Philip Morris International, the parent company of Marlboro, invested heavily through its Japan team to develop a heated tobacco device, it quickly became a hit in the Japanese market. Named IQOS, the product gave smokers around the world another op
Since Philip Morris International (the parent company of the famous cigarette brand Marlboro) invested heavily and spent a long time developing heated tobacco products, which became a hit in the Japanese market, smokers around the world now have more choices. This product is named IQOS (literally translated as "I give up traditional cigarettes"), and its name reflects the product's determination and philosophy to perfectly replace traditional cigarettes. Compared to traditional combustible tobacco products, IQOS has up to 70% fewer harmful substances (traditional cigarettes must burn, but IQOS uses electronic heating, releasing most harmful chemicals only during combustion, thus reducing risk).
Recently, Japan officially implemented a policy prohibiting elevator use for 45 minutes after smoking! (A study in Japan found that harmful chemicals from smoking are expelled from the body within 45 minutes, some attach to hair and clothing, while others disperse into the air, becoming "third-hand smoke.") This highlights the government's helplessness and urgency in controlling secondhand smoke, which is a challenge in many countries. Why is Japan the largest market for IQOS among the 36 global markets? One reason is its health philosophy (smokeless, fireless, and ashless, commonly referred to as the "three no's"). However, a larger aspect is the Japanese culture of not causing trouble for others!
With the popularity of heated tobacco products, the same trend is seen in China, where smokers are eager to try IQOS, which has become a star product among Japanese, Korean, and Russian buyers. To manage demand, IQOS has implemented purchase limits (vending machines are often empty, and IQOS stores are cleared out by Chinese buyers), ensuring local consumers' purchasing rights. Domestic smokers find it hard to get their hands on a device (the smoking rod), but China National Tobacco has also developed a heated tobacco product named "Kungfu," which was first launched in Korea. Korea is a testing ground for various heated tobacco products, including local brand LiL and the well-known IQOS developed by Marlboro's parent company. China National Tobacco is also stepping in, and Kungfu has received a warm response in Korea and has attracted attention from many smokers in China! Discussions are heating up on social media platforms, with many expressing their long-standing frustration with IQOS!
This new heated tobacco e-cigarette from China National Tobacco addresses some shortcomings of IQOS. Although IQOS has improved from its second to third generation, the fourth generation may borrow design elements from "Kuanzhai Kungfu" to eliminate the criticisms of the third generation (even though "Kuanzhai Kungfu" was developed based on IQOS). One commendable aspect is that IQOS offers a variety of colors and accessories, including blue, black, white, gray, red, Iron Man, camouflage, cherry blossom pink, and more, along with various colored caps for customization. In contrast, "Kuanzhai Kungfu" currently only comes in white, which is rather monotonous, and the flavor options for Kungfu pods are limited compared to IQOS's 11 different flavors.
Besides the American IQOS and China's Kungfu, Korea's LiL heated tobacco e-cigarette is also popular among smokers in China, Japan, and Korea, and is a hot item for overseas shopping. The LiL device is long and can be used for about 20-30 pods on a single charge! The heating core inside the LiL device is thicker and more durable, providing even heating, and is compatible with Fiit yogurt beads and lemon beads, allowing for about 20 puffs per pod. The LiL device is also compatible with all IQOS pods, just like "Kuanzhai Kungfu."
Comparison of Kuanzhai Kungfu E-Cigarette and IQOS:
1. One charge allows for over 10 pods; 2. Easy and thorough cleaning of the device (the heating element is detachable), with a powerful automatic cleaning function; 3. Pods burn thoroughly, with high power and vapor production (some users have commented that using Kungfu with foreign pods can produce a strong mint flavor); 4. IQOS heating elements are prone to breakage and have a high failure rate ("Kuanzhai Kungfu" has improved the design and replacement method of the heating element from the beginning); 5. Convenient to carry, the device can heat pods and charge simultaneously (in contrast, IQOS requires carrying a large charging case); 6. Pods are universally compatible (Marlboro, HEETS, Bailemen, FIIT), offering strong selection options.
The most important aspect is that Kungfu devices come with a one-year warranty (including a complimentary heating element), and the official after-sales policy clearly states that they only replace, not repair. This gives IQOS users peace of mind, recalling the anxiety of fearing device failure while using IQOS (though if used correctly and cleaned regularly, it is quite durable). The cautious experience of using IQOS is truly hard to look back on! (Since IQOS has not been approved for entry into China, after-sales support relies on personal efforts. Some IQOS customers in China have successfully received after-sales service in Japan, but it requires a cumbersome process of writing emails, etc.)
Users who have been accustomed to using Marlboro pods with IQOS may find the flavor of Kungfu pods relatively mild and less interesting. However, some traditional smokers have praised the "authentic" taste of foreign cigarettes. The design of "Kungfu" is quite clever, as it is compatible with various brand pods, providing diversity in selection, allowing IQOS users to transition smoothly to this domestic heated tobacco product. (PS: Since Kungfu pods are designed longer than other brand pods, be careful not to insert other brand pods all the way into the "Kungfu" device.) Some users suggest: Kungfu device + Marlboro pods is simply a perfect match. Others have reported that using Kungfu with Marlboro and IQOS feels completely different, with larger vapor production and no issues with draw resistance!
The entire heating device consists of three parts: the heating rod, the heating core assembly, and the outer shell that secures the pod.
The Kungfu pod consists of ten boxes, divided into four sections: the short filter is the first layer, which is the conventional cigarette filter made of cellulose acetate; the second layer is a thermal insulation paper core, resembling aluminum foil; the third layer is a hollow paper core, which is particularly hard to maintain the shape of the pod; the fourth layer is the heated tobacco leaf slice, which is the part that is heated for consumption.
Both flavors of the pods are quite similar, with a typical tobacco flavor. The Marlboro original flavor is stronger and more stimulating, which old smokers may prefer. The Kungfu pods, however, left me disappointed (why does it taste similar to Marlboro and lacks the stimulation?).
When Kungfu was first released, the chip technology was not very mature; the first two puffs felt fine, but later it became hard to draw, with smaller vapor and milder flavor. In contrast, IQOS performs consistently well until the last puff. Therefore, in terms of appearance and technology, IQOS clearly wins!
Finally, I want to say that it's normal for Kungfu to lag behind in chip technology since IQOS is already in its third generation, while Kungfu has just been released. After all, Marlboro's company has invested billions in research and development. However, Kungfu will continue to improve its technology, and I look forward to its progress while continuing to support Kungfu e-cigarettes.
Recently, Japan officially implemented a policy prohibiting elevator use for 45 minutes after smoking! (A study in Japan found that harmful chemicals from smoking are expelled from the body within 45 minutes, some attach to hair and clothing, while others disperse into the air, becoming "third-hand smoke.") This highlights the government's helplessness and urgency in controlling secondhand smoke, which is a challenge in many countries. Why is Japan the largest market for IQOS among the 36 global markets? One reason is its health philosophy (smokeless, fireless, and ashless, commonly referred to as the "three no's"). However, a larger aspect is the Japanese culture of not causing trouble for others!
With the popularity of heated tobacco products, the same trend is seen in China, where smokers are eager to try IQOS, which has become a star product among Japanese, Korean, and Russian buyers. To manage demand, IQOS has implemented purchase limits (vending machines are often empty, and IQOS stores are cleared out by Chinese buyers), ensuring local consumers' purchasing rights. Domestic smokers find it hard to get their hands on a device (the smoking rod), but China National Tobacco has also developed a heated tobacco product named "Kungfu," which was first launched in Korea. Korea is a testing ground for various heated tobacco products, including local brand LiL and the well-known IQOS developed by Marlboro's parent company. China National Tobacco is also stepping in, and Kungfu has received a warm response in Korea and has attracted attention from many smokers in China! Discussions are heating up on social media platforms, with many expressing their long-standing frustration with IQOS!
This new heated tobacco e-cigarette from China National Tobacco addresses some shortcomings of IQOS. Although IQOS has improved from its second to third generation, the fourth generation may borrow design elements from "Kuanzhai Kungfu" to eliminate the criticisms of the third generation (even though "Kuanzhai Kungfu" was developed based on IQOS). One commendable aspect is that IQOS offers a variety of colors and accessories, including blue, black, white, gray, red, Iron Man, camouflage, cherry blossom pink, and more, along with various colored caps for customization. In contrast, "Kuanzhai Kungfu" currently only comes in white, which is rather monotonous, and the flavor options for Kungfu pods are limited compared to IQOS's 11 different flavors.
Besides the American IQOS and China's Kungfu, Korea's LiL heated tobacco e-cigarette is also popular among smokers in China, Japan, and Korea, and is a hot item for overseas shopping. The LiL device is long and can be used for about 20-30 pods on a single charge! The heating core inside the LiL device is thicker and more durable, providing even heating, and is compatible with Fiit yogurt beads and lemon beads, allowing for about 20 puffs per pod. The LiL device is also compatible with all IQOS pods, just like "Kuanzhai Kungfu."
Comparison of Kuanzhai Kungfu E-Cigarette and IQOS:
1. One charge allows for over 10 pods; 2. Easy and thorough cleaning of the device (the heating element is detachable), with a powerful automatic cleaning function; 3. Pods burn thoroughly, with high power and vapor production (some users have commented that using Kungfu with foreign pods can produce a strong mint flavor); 4. IQOS heating elements are prone to breakage and have a high failure rate ("Kuanzhai Kungfu" has improved the design and replacement method of the heating element from the beginning); 5. Convenient to carry, the device can heat pods and charge simultaneously (in contrast, IQOS requires carrying a large charging case); 6. Pods are universally compatible (Marlboro, HEETS, Bailemen, FIIT), offering strong selection options.
The most important aspect is that Kungfu devices come with a one-year warranty (including a complimentary heating element), and the official after-sales policy clearly states that they only replace, not repair. This gives IQOS users peace of mind, recalling the anxiety of fearing device failure while using IQOS (though if used correctly and cleaned regularly, it is quite durable). The cautious experience of using IQOS is truly hard to look back on! (Since IQOS has not been approved for entry into China, after-sales support relies on personal efforts. Some IQOS customers in China have successfully received after-sales service in Japan, but it requires a cumbersome process of writing emails, etc.)
Users who have been accustomed to using Marlboro pods with IQOS may find the flavor of Kungfu pods relatively mild and less interesting. However, some traditional smokers have praised the "authentic" taste of foreign cigarettes. The design of "Kungfu" is quite clever, as it is compatible with various brand pods, providing diversity in selection, allowing IQOS users to transition smoothly to this domestic heated tobacco product. (PS: Since Kungfu pods are designed longer than other brand pods, be careful not to insert other brand pods all the way into the "Kungfu" device.) Some users suggest: Kungfu device + Marlboro pods is simply a perfect match. Others have reported that using Kungfu with Marlboro and IQOS feels completely different, with larger vapor production and no issues with draw resistance!
The entire heating device consists of three parts: the heating rod, the heating core assembly, and the outer shell that secures the pod.
The Kungfu pod consists of ten boxes, divided into four sections: the short filter is the first layer, which is the conventional cigarette filter made of cellulose acetate; the second layer is a thermal insulation paper core, resembling aluminum foil; the third layer is a hollow paper core, which is particularly hard to maintain the shape of the pod; the fourth layer is the heated tobacco leaf slice, which is the part that is heated for consumption.
Both flavors of the pods are quite similar, with a typical tobacco flavor. The Marlboro original flavor is stronger and more stimulating, which old smokers may prefer. The Kungfu pods, however, left me disappointed (why does it taste similar to Marlboro and lacks the stimulation?).
When Kungfu was first released, the chip technology was not very mature; the first two puffs felt fine, but later it became hard to draw, with smaller vapor and milder flavor. In contrast, IQOS performs consistently well until the last puff. Therefore, in terms of appearance and technology, IQOS clearly wins!
Finally, I want to say that it's normal for Kungfu to lag behind in chip technology since IQOS is already in its third generation, while Kungfu has just been released. After all, Marlboro's company has invested billions in research and development. However, Kungfu will continue to improve its technology, and I look forward to its progress while continuing to support Kungfu e-cigarettes.
