RELX Generation 1 to 4 Device Review & Answers to Common Vaping Questions

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

After years of development, pod systems have emerged as a product that meets the needs of the times. While larger devices produce great flavor, they are not portable and can cause discomfort to those around you in public settings. Pod systems effectively solve these issues.

I stumbled upon RELX and had previously used IQOS (which requires heating before each use, is inconvenient, and has a strong odor that bothers those nearby, plus the tobacco sticks are hard to find, so I gave up after a while), MSML, VITA, Z&G, and later models like Xiaoye. Due to factors like flavor and product design, I ultimately became a RELX user.

RELX Generation 1

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

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

There are many flavor options for the pods (cool mint, tropical fruit, classic tobacco, new-style roasted tobacco, cola ice, old popsicle, mung bean ice, light roasted tobacco, strong drink, peach oolong, refreshing grapefruit, drunken blueberry, ice-brewed lychee, ice heart purple sweet potato, summer green mango, banana milkshake, chilled watermelon, Hong Kong-style lemon tea, and this year's newly launched juicy grape). The downside: I believe the biggest drawback, which many users also report, is the leaking issue. This problem does exist; if left for a long time or stored upside down in a pocket, there is a chance of leakage at the bottom of the pod or the mouthpiece. Sometimes it could also be condensation, which can be wiped away with a tissue.

Usage experience: The first generation is suitable for users who are new to e-cigarettes. It is a versatile product with a mild flavor that is not easy to irritate (though the flavor is not as refined, which will be explained when discussing the second and third generations). The variety of pod flavors gives users a lot of choices, and it offers great value for money (it is the cheapest among the fourth generation products, and each pack contains three pods).

Downside: I believe the biggest drawback, which many users also report, is the leaking issue. This problem does exist; if left for a long time or stored upside down in a pocket, there is a chance of leakage at the bottom of the pod or the mouthpiece. Sometimes it could also be condensation, which can be wiped away with a tissue.

RELX Generation 2 Alpha

The second generation Alpha features a completely new shape with a frosted shell, significantly enhancing the overall texture and making it more business-like with a better grip. The draw resistance is much greater than that of the first generation, providing a more refined mouthfeel and a stronger throat hit. The internal structure of the pods has been redesigned (S-shaped ring design), eliminating the leaking issue.

The second generation Alpha has only four color options, which is fewer than the first generation (coffee machine, black, enamel blue, and light engraved platinum). Pod flavors include (glacier mint, aromatic roasted tobacco, crystal pineapple beer, cold brew fruit tea, tropical golden mango, slow-cooked rock sugar pear, old popsicle from factory two, fizzy cola ice, nutty roasted latte, white peach frozen tea, red jade watermelon ice, perfume lemon ice, fresh passion fruit green tea, sandy mung bean ice, and lychee ice). The recently updated sandy mung bean ice, black ice mint, and aromatic roasted tobacco are sold in packs of three, which, while offering better value, have a different internal structure that affects the flavor compared to the previous two-pod packs.

Note: The second generation has the corresponding flavor printed directly on the bottom of the pod, which is a significant improvement over the first generation, where the flavor could only be identified by the color of the pod's bottom.

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

New users may find the first puff a bit difficult and may experience some throat irritation (the throat hit of the second generation is much stronger than that of the first generation), but once accustomed, the flavor of the second generation is much more refined and layered (for example, with the old popsicle flavor, you can distinctly feel the coolness of mint combined with a hint of sweetness upon inhalation, while exhaling, the coolness gradually dissipates, leaving the nostalgic old popsicle flavor in your mouth), unlike the first generation, which, while having a smooth overall flavor, feels quite monotonous.

Additionally, the second generation device has introduced a vibration reminder function; if you take 15 puffs within ten minutes, the device will vibrate to remind you that you have consumed an amount of nicotine equivalent to one traditional cigarette, which is a user-friendly 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 will turn red, allowing users to notice and charge the device in time. If we were to mention a downside for the second generation Alpha, it would be the pods; at the same price, the second generation only comes with two pods per pack, and currently, the supply from the manufacturer is not sufficient, leading to popular flavors often being out of stock.

RELX Generation 3 Lingdian

The third generation Lingdian features a striped anti-slip design on the surface compared to the second generation, giving it a more elongated appearance, which is friendlier for female users. In terms of flavor, I feel the draw resistance is between the first and second generations, leaning more towards the second generation, with a throat hit similar to that of the second generation. The highlight of this generation is the intelligent real-time detection feature (by connecting the device to your phone via Bluetooth, you can see your usage in real-time through the app, which is undoubtedly a plus for digital enthusiasts), and the excessive usage vibration feature from the second generation Alpha has also been carried over to the Lingdian.

The third generation Lingdian comes in colors (Everest 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 mung bean, night owl coffee, mischievous gentleman, fruity carnival, tipsy apricot peach, green passion fruit, cola rush, strawberry ice snow, modest peach tea, watermelon kid). Here, I must commend RELX's marketing department; every generation of pods has been given cool names, but they all taste quite similar.

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

Usage experience: The third generation Lingdian continues the flavor and draw resistance style of the second generation Alpha; new users may not be immediately impressed by the first puff and may even find it a bit harsh, but it is a device that rewards persistence, with a refined and layered flavor.

The added smart features are also more suitable for the current younger demographic, offering high playability, and it inherits all the features of the second generation Alpha. The downside of this generation is its price; as the flagship product among the fourth generation devices, it is also the most expensive, and each pack of pods contains only two. (However, the Lingdian kit comes with four pods included, making it more cost-effective than the second generation device.)

RELX Generation 4 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 feature from the second generation Alpha. Additionally, the pods have been modified, primarily to improve oil leakage control. This product does not have many standout features; compared to the second and third generations, its improvements seem somewhat lacking. The fourth generation device colors include (matte black, frost silver, sand red, satin purple, and ink green) and pod flavors (ice watermelon, refreshing mint, old popsicle, mung bean ice, elegant tobacco, peach tea, drunken grape, cola ice, and rose lychee).

Usage experience: As an upgrade of the first generation device, the fourth generation Infinity is nearly identical in flavor to the first generation, with optimizations made in battery life and oil leakage handling.

This generation does not have obvious shortcomings, but in terms of device colors and pod flavors, it appears somewhat mediocre, and its cost-effectiveness is not as practical as the first generation, with the overall texture not as noticeably improved as the second and third generations.

Finally, here are some answers to common questions

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

Under normal usage, the battery life lasts a day without issue. The first generation device uses a micro USB charging port and takes about an hour to fully charge; the second to fourth generation devices use a type-C interface and take about 40 minutes to fully charge.

2. Q: How long can each pod last?

This depends on personal 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. Although the internal structure of the second and third generation pods has changed, the actual battery life is similar to the other two generations.

3. Q: Can e-cigarettes help quit smoking?

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

4. Q: Why do I often feel thirsty after using e-cigarettes?

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

5. Q: Some users feel dizzy or nauseous after using e-cigarettes; what’s going on?

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