RELX 1st and 4th Generation Device Review / Common Issues During Use

As an experienced vaper, I have acquired numerous devices over the years. They can be roughly categorized as follows: electronic pens → variable wattage boxes + dripping atomizers → mechanical boxes + dripping atomizers → mechanical pens + dripping atomizers → variable wattage boxes + tank atomizers → pod systems.

Over the years, pod systems have emerged as a product of the times. While large cloud devices offer great flavor, they are not portable and may cause discomfort to others in public settings. Pod systems effectively address these issues.

I stumbled upon RELX by chance and had previously used IQOS (which requires heating before each use, is inconvenient, and has a strong odor that bothers those around me, plus the pods are hard to find, leading me to abandon it after a while), MSML, VITA, Z&G, and later, smaller devices like Xiaoye. Due to the flavor and design factors, I ultimately became a RELX user.

RELX 1st Generation

The first generation is RELX's earliest product and the most classic entry-level device. Even now, most users in the market still use the first generation.

This generation features a variety of color options (classic black, starry gray, deep sea blue, rose gold, power red, fairy blue, dazzling purple star sea, golden twilight, flowing gold night shadow, azure nebula, and first snow white).

There are many pod flavors available (cool mint, tropical fruit, classic tobacco, new-style roasted tobacco, cola ice, old ice pop, green bean popsicle, smooth roasted tobacco, strong energy drink, peach oolong, refreshing grapefruit, drunken blueberry, iced lychee, iced purple sweet potato, summer green mango, banana milkshake, chilled watermelon, Hong Kong-style lemon tea, and the newly released juicy grape this year).

As for drawbacks, I believe the biggest issue, which many users have reported, is the oil leakage problem. This issue does exist; if left for a long time or stored upside down in a pocket, there is a chance of oil leaking from the bottom of the pod or the mouthpiece. Sometimes it may also be condensation, which can be wiped away with a tissue. User experience: The first generation product is suitable for those new to vaping, a versatile product with a smooth flavor that is not harsh (though the flavor is not as refined, which will be explained when discussing the second and third generations). The variety of pod flavors offers users a wide selection, and it is cost-effective (being the lowest-priced among the fourth generation products, with three pods per pack).

As for drawbacks, I believe the biggest issue, which many users have reported, is the oil leakage problem. This issue does exist; if left for a long time or stored upside down in a pocket, there is a chance of oil leaking from the bottom of the pod or the mouthpiece. Sometimes it may also be condensation, which can be wiped away with a tissue.

User experience: The first generation product is suitable for those new to vaping, a versatile product with a smooth flavor that is not harsh (though the flavor is not as refined, which will be explained when discussing the second and third generations). The variety of pod flavors offers users a wide selection, and it is cost-effective (being the lowest-priced among the fourth generation products, with three pods per pack).

As for drawbacks, I believe the biggest issue, which many users have reported, is the oil leakage problem. This issue does exist; if left for a long time or stored upside down in a pocket, there is a chance of oil leaking from the bottom of the pod or the mouthpiece. Sometimes it may also be condensation, which can be wiped away with a tissue.

Series RELX 2nd Generation Alpha Xi

The second generation Alpha features a completely new shape with a frosted exterior, significantly enhancing the overall texture and making it more business-like, with a better grip. The draw resistance is much stronger than the first generation, and the flavor is more refined with a stronger throat hit. Due to a redesign of the internal structure of the pod (S-shaped ring design), the oil leakage issue has been resolved.

The second generation Alpha is available in only four colors, which is fewer than the first generation (coffee machine, sky black, enamel blue, and light sculpted platinum). Pod flavors (glacier mint, aromatic roasted tobacco, crystal pineapple beer, cold brew fruit tea, tropical golden mango, slow-cooked rock sugar pear, old ice pop from factory two, sizzling cola ice, nutty roasted latte, white peach frozen top tea, red jade watermelon ice, fragrant lemon ice, fresh passion fruit green tea, sandy green bean ice, lychee ice, and mango pudding). The recently updated sandy green bean ice, black ice mint, and aromatic roasted tobacco are packaged with three pods, although the internal structure of the pods has changed, resulting in a less satisfying flavor compared to the previous two-pod packaging.

Note: The second generation has the corresponding flavor printed directly on the bottom of the pod, which deserves praise, as the first generation only allowed flavor identification through the color of the pod bottom, making it much more convenient.

User experience: As an upgraded model of the first generation device, the second generation Alpha has seen significant improvements in many aspects, with the most noticeable being the flavor.

New users may find the first puff a bit difficult and harsh (the second generation has a stronger throat hit than the first), but once accustomed, the flavor of the second generation is much more refined, with a clear layering (for example, with the old ice pop flavor, you can distinctly feel the coolness of mint combined with a hint of sweetness upon inhalation, and as you exhale, the coolness gradually dissipates, leaving the nostalgic old ice pop flavor in your mouth) unlike the first generation, which, while smooth overall, felt more monotonous.

Additionally, the second generation device has introduced a vibration reminder function, which vibrates after 15 puffs within ten minutes, indicating that the user has consumed an amount of nicotine equivalent to one traditional cigarette, which is a thoughtful feature.

Furthermore, the battery indicator has also seen significant changes compared to the first generation; when the battery level drops below 20%, the breathing light turns red, allowing users to promptly notice and recharge the device. If we were to mention drawbacks, it would be the pods; the second generation only has two pods per pack at the same price, and currently, the supply from manufacturers is insufficient, leading to frequent shortages of popular flavors.

RELX 3rd Generation Lingdian

The third generation Lingdian features a striped anti-slip design on the surface, giving it a more elongated appearance, which is friendlier for female users. In terms of flavor, I find the draw resistance to be between the first and second generations, leaning more towards the second, with a similar throat hit to the second generation. The highlight of this generation is the intelligent real-time detection function (connecting the device to a smartphone via Bluetooth allows users to see usage statistics in real-time, which is undoubtedly a plus for tech enthusiasts), and the excessive use vibration function from the second generation Alpha has also been carried over to Lingdian.

The third generation Lingdian is available in colors (Everest Snow White, Green Wood Linen Black, Urban Jungle Green, and Sandstone Flame Orange, Electroplated Gold, Electric Red, Royal Blue, Neon Blue, Champagne Gold).

Pod flavors (dark mint, red energy, cool heart cigarette, zen green bean, late-night coffee, mischievous gentleman, fruity carnival, slightly tipsy apricot peach, green passion fruit, cola frenzy, strawberry ice snow, modest peach tea, watermelon kid). Here, I must commend RELX's marketing department, as each generation of pods has creatively cool names, even though they all have similar flavors.

Note: The third generation Lingdian pods, like the second generation Alpha, have the corresponding flavor printed directly on the bottom of the pod.

User experience: The third generation Lingdian continues the flavor and draw resistance style of the second generation Alpha. New users may not be immediately impressed, and may even find it a bit harsh, but it is suitable for prolonged use, with a refined and layered flavor.

The added smart features are also more appealing to the younger demographic, offering high playability, and it retains all the functions of the second generation Alpha. The drawback of this generation is its price; Lingdian is the flagship product among the fourth generation devices, thus priced the highest, and each pod pack contains only two pods. (However, the Lingdian kit comes with four pods, making it more cost-effective than the second generation device.)

RELX 4th Generation Infinity

The fourth generation Infinity is an upgraded version of the first generation device, featuring a redesigned shape, increased battery capacity, and support for wireless charging. It can be equipped with a charging case and retains the vibration function from the second generation Alpha. The pods have also been modified, primarily improving oil leakage control. This product does not have many standout features, and its improvements compared to the second and third generations are somewhat lacking. The fourth generation device is available in colors (matte black, frost silver, sand red, satin purple, and ink green), with pod flavors (ice watermelon, refreshing mint, old ice pop, green bean ice, elegant tobacco, fragrant peach tea, drunken grape, cola ice, and rose lychee).

User experience: The fourth generation Infinity, as an upgrade of the first generation device, has a flavor profile nearly identical to the first generation, with optimizations in battery life and oil leakage handling.

This generation does not have any obvious shortcomings, but in terms of device color options and pod flavors, it appears somewhat mediocre, and its cost-effectiveness is not as practical as the first generation, with the overall texture not showing as significant an improvement as the second and third generations.

Finally, here are some answers to common questions.

Q: How long can each generation device last on a full charge?

Generally, with normal use, the battery life lasts a day without issue. The first generation device uses a micro USB charging port, taking about an hour to fully charge; the 2nd to 4th generation devices use a Type-C interface, taking about 40 minutes to fully charge.

Q: How long can each pod last?

This depends on individual usage frequency; normally, each pod can be used for about 500-700 puffs. The first generation pods come in packs of three, each containing 1.5ml; the second generation pods come in packs of two, each containing 1.6ml; the third generation pods come in packs of two, each containing 1.45ml; the fourth generation pods come in packs of three, each containing 2ml. Due to changes in the internal structure of the second and third generation pods, although the paper data shows a smaller capacity, the actual battery life is similar to the other two generations.

Q: Can electronic cigarettes help quit smoking?

This mainly depends on personal willpower. Electronic cigarettes contain nicotine, which can indeed help alleviate cravings and serve as a substitute for traditional cigarettes. I, as a smoker for nearly ten years, have quit smoking for half a year.

Q: Why do I often feel thirsty after using electronic cigarettes?

This is because the main components of e-liquid are nicotine, glycerin, propylene glycol, and flavoring agents. Glycerin has water-absorbing properties, so it is normal to feel thirsty after prolonged use.

Q: Some users feel dizzy or nauseous after using electronic cigarettes; what is the reason?

This is because e-liquid contains nicotine, and excessive nicotine intake can lead to dizziness and nausea. If these symptoms occur, please stop using it. (Not just electronic cigarettes; smokers know that even traditional cigarettes can cause these symptoms if smoked continuously.)

That's all I can think of for now. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a message, and I will add more.

Finally, I wish everyone good health. Minors and non-smokers should not attempt it; even electronic cigarettes cannot be considered completely harmless!