Vladdin RE Review
The Vladdin RE is the refillable version of the popular Vladdin pod system, probably the slickest vaping device aimed at beginners and casual vapers. With more and more manufacturers launching their own pod systems and many of them going the refillable route, it made sense for Vladdin to offer a refillable version of their own device, and I for one think that it is going to be even more popular than the original Vladdin.
A Look at the Contents
The Vladdin RE comes in a minimalist rectangular cardboard box with a simplistic rendition of the pod system and some pictograms of its main features, on the front, and a short description of the product, its main features, kit contents and company information, on the back. All in all an elegant package that matches the product.
Inside the box, we have the standard offering for this sort of starter kit, the Vladdin vape pen, one refillable pod, a stylish braided micro-USB cable, and a quick guide/user manual. The one gripe I have with this kit in regards to contents is that it only comes with one pod. Yes, it’s refillable, but even so, I consider two the bare minimum. If a new user accidentally draws on the Vladdin without first filling the pod with juice, or without waiting for the wick to soak up the juice, he/she will ruin the pod and have to buy new ones just to try out the device. So I would love to see two pods included, in the near future.
Design and Build Quality
The design is definitely one of the main strengths of this pod system. I used to think that the JUUL was slick, but the Vladdin RE puts it to shame. The curved metal body and the mouthpiece look and feel great in the hand, and the tiny cutout between them where you can see how much juice is left in the pod is elegantly designed as well. In fact, I think that if I had to use just one word to describe the Vladdin, it would be ‘elegant’. The company definitely put a lot of time into designing this device, and it shows.
Like the original Vladdin, the refillable version measures 19mm x 11mm x 90mm and weighs only 30 grams, making it very easy to carry around in the smallest of pockets. It has a minimalist design, with he only noticeable features being the small LED indicator that lights up when the device is in use or when it is charging, the Vladdin logo, and a micro-USB charging port on the bottom.
To use the Vladdin RE, all you have to do is take the pod included in the kit and insert into the vape pen. It only goes in one way so if the pod doesn’t go in all the way, don’t force it, just turn it the other way and try again. To make sure you are inserting it right, make sure that the cutout on the pod matches the one on the vape pen. The pod will click into place as the magnetic contact on the bottom touch the two metal pins inside the device.
Once the pod is connected, you can start vaping. The Vladdin RE doesn’t have an on/off switch, to activate it, all you have to do is draw on the mouthpiece. You will see the tiny LED light up white and hear the ceramic coil inside the pod start to sizzle.
The Vladdin RE pods look like the ones of the original Vladdin, the only difference is that these are refillable. Each pod comes with its own plastic mouthpiece, which you have to remove in order to access the fill port. The mouthpiece snaps off easily, revealing a rubber plug that seals the two round filling slots. Gently pull it off and use a small dropper or a fine tip unicorn bottle to pour juice into the two holes on the sides, not the one in the middle as that is the air shaft, through which the vapor travels. Don’t overdo it with the filling, as the pod only holds 1.5ml of juice, and make sure both holes are unplugged, so that the air can get out while you’re filling.
Once you’re done filling the pod, insert the rubber plug into the two slots, then the mouthpiece, and let the device sit for a few minutes, so the cotton pad and the ceramic coil inside can soak up the juice. Then you’re ready to vape.
One of the most interesting features of the Vladdin pod is the silicone gasket on the bottom, between the two metal contacts, which opens to let air through when you’re drawing, but otherwise stays closed to prevent juice from leaking. I’ve yet to experience any leaking problems, despite refilling the pod over a dozen times. There is some condensation on the contacts every once in a while, but nothing that can cause technical issues.
Like the Suorin Air, Wismec Motiv 2 and most other pod systems today, the Vladdin RE features a draw-activated switch to activate the battery. All you have to do is draw on the mouthpiece and the battery will start to heat up the coil inside the pod, which will in turn vaporize the e-liquid. There are no buttons to press, no settings to adjust, which is what makes them so convenient and popular with casual vapers and fresh ex-smokers looking for a simple alternative to cigarettes.
Battery Life and Performance
The Vladdin RE features a built-in 350mAh battery, and according to what I’ve read online, that advertising rating is pretty accurate, which is pretty rare when it comes to pod systems. For such a slick and light device, 350mAh is not a bad battery rating at all. The JUUL has a 150mAh battery. Yes, it’s a bit shorter as well, but still, 200mAh is a big difference. The new Suorin Vagon is rated at 400 mAh, as is the Smoant S8, so I’d say the Vladdin is in line with the industry standard.
I personally don’t get a full day of vaping out of the Vladdin RE, but then again, I’m more used to advanced dual battery mods, and lung inhale vaping, so I’m not really the best person to judge the battery of a device aimed at beginners and casual vapers. Battery life depends on how often you vape, but I think 7-8 hours would be a fair estimate for the average user.
But even if you can’t get through a whole day on a single charge, the Vladdin RE also features vape-while-charging technology, so you can use it while it’s hooked up to a power source via the included micro-USB cable. And it only takes about an hour to charge back to full after you’ve depleted the battery.
I have been using the Vladdin for eight days now, and I’ve enjoyed it much more than I though I would, to be honest. I’m not a big fan of MTL vaping, in fact I mostly do it for reviews like this, but using the Vladdin never felt like a chore. I mostly used it while driving and at work, and it really kept my nicotine craving in check, while also delivering a satisfying throat hit. I’ve been vaping a 9mg/ml Boss Tobacco juice from Apollo Vapor, which I will also be doing a review of soon, and I’ve been enjoying it a lot.
Pod systems are not exactly known to produce the best flavor, and I can’t say that the Vladdin is any different, but it’s not bad either. Most casual vapers, the ones that the Vladdin RE is aimed at, don’t care much about rebuildable atomizers, variable voltage and finding that sweet spot for the perfect flavor. They care more about simplicity, convenience and an experience as close to smoking as possible, and in that regard, the Vladdin delivers.
The draw on the Vladdin RE is not quite as restrictive as that of an analog cigarette, but it’s close enough, and paired with a good e-liquid and the right amount of nicotine, it can replace a stinky.
Conclusion
The Vladdin pod system has been on my radar for quite a while, not because I’m a big fan of this type of device, but just because of the positive things I had heard about it over the last six months, and I’m glad I finally got a chance to try it out. Design-wise, I can honestly say that the Vladdin RE is the coolest looking vape pen I have ever used, and it’s not just me. During the past week or so, I’ve gotten more questions about it than any other vaping device I’ve ever used. People just love the way it looks, and I’ve already promised my sister-in-law that I would give her my sample once I was done with this review.
Currently priced at $29.90, the Vladdin RE is not the cheapest pod system on the market, but if you’re looking for an elegant vaping device that actually works really well and also has decent battery life, the Vladdin RE is a great choice.
The Vladdin RE pod system was sent to me for the purpose of this review directly from Vladdin Vapor.
Any comments on how many refills a pod can afford.
It depends on what juice you are using. If it’s a dark e-liquid or if it has lots of sweeteners, it will kill the coil a lot faster than a clear, unsweetened, or lightly sweetened one. I use mine with a clear tobacco, and I change the pods every two weeks, even though the taste of the juice doesn’t change all that much.
THESE SUCK!!! And the company does not back their product even with boxes and receipts.
This review is accurate ive been using it for 8 months alongside my rx200s and its amazing. I love my vladdin with nic salts. Battery life could be better and ive had a few faulty pods but the retailer replaced the bad pods and im happy.
I bought some cartridges few days ago, some of them are working properly and some just producing smoke without taste and some were completely dead. Why is that?