Monday, 6 June 2022

*NEW HARDWARE REVIEW* Aspire Flexus Blok Kit

 


I simply cannot sit back and let this one fly under the radar…not that it will anyways.

After loving the original Aspire Flexus Q Kit, I happened to come across an Instagram post by Evolution Vaping UK, they were advertising the brand new AIO system by Aspire. As AIOs go, I’ve been lucky enough to own a few, ranging from the more expensive Billet Boxes and DotAIO’s to the old skool Aspire Plato and the Kangertech Nebox. Safe to say the whole idea of an AIO setup has been really appealing to me during my time as a vaper. They look sleek and, in my opinion, they are the most aesthetically pleasing yet hard wearing devices on the market, so as soon as I placed my order, I was near enough counting the hours until its delivery.


Building upon an already outstanding and well loved device, namely the Flexus Q, the Flexus Blok is worlds apart - yet still an incredible kit.

Adopting a completely new look, the Blok (as mentioned previously) resembles the rectangular, palm sized look found in many AIO systems. A plastic ‘pod’ is magnetically held in place on the top corner of the device and holds a maximum capacity of 2ml (making it TPD compliant). It is easily filled up via a sliding latch that reveals a decent sized juice port underneath - the perfect size, accommodating for the majority of e-liquid bottle tips that are currently on the market.

The Flexus Blok also boasts an impressive feature (not found in the Flexus Q) in the form of airflow control, now this is a massive but simple step in terms of increasing the target audience for this kit. Ranging from a ultra tight MTL to a RDTL, this device offers modest to average vapour production.

Paired up with this relatively tight inhale, the Flexus Blok works great with thinner 50/50 e-liquids and especially nicotine salts (currently using Carousel by Innevape). The hit is strong and the flavour even more so, combining ease of use and practicality when you just want something to satisfy those nicotine cravings.

Pocket sized and compact, this kit is small in stature but still has a hefty weight to it, oozing with a sense of high quality and skilled craftsmanship. In line with its expertly executed ergonomics, the Blok is both elegant and stylish and is available in a multitude of attractive colour options, mine of which is a stunning fuchsia. One of the simplest but well appreciated features of this kit is the removable 510 drip tip, adding a layer of personal customisation.

But enough about the outer shell of this gorgeous machine! It’s what is under the hood that really makes this device shine…

Charged up quickly via USB C, the 1200mAh integrated battery lasts far longer than the offered by the Flexus Q (a mere 700mAh) and battery life is indicated via a small light on the side of the device.

To puff on, the Blok gives vapers an option between a draw activation vs. button activation, which is purely down to personal preference (I find myself using the draw activation most of the time). 

With the ability to cycle through 3 different power settings indicated by an LED light and by pressing the fire button 3 times, you can toggle from red (low) to blue (medium) and green (high), this kit can really accommodate for a wide range of vapers and preferences. I found the mid-level to be just right, giving a decent amount of flavour and an intense hit, but I liked the fact that I can change it with a few clicks of a button.

With a current RRP of about £30, this kit is worth every penny, in fact, I hands down prefer it to my Billet/DotAIOs (egad!). Vaping is massively subjective, but for me, the Blok is so much easier to operate and transport. There is no external battery to worry about and the risk of leaking is pretty much non-existent. The pods are far simpler to disconnect and fill in comparison to the Boro tanks used in many AIOs. Some people will strongly disagree with me in that respect as BBs are so highly regarded and sought after, but if you are looking for a cheap, reliable and well made device, you’re gonna want to have a look at the Aspire Flexus Blok.


Pros

It looks sleek and elegant

I love how easy it is to remove the pod/tank

I liked the fact that you can change the drip tip

Coil life was impressive

For me, it is the perfect replacement to a BB or DotAIO


Cons

I know nothing can be done about it, but it would be nice to have the 3ml pod (thanks TPD!)


Aspire Flexus Blok Specs

Size: 41.6×17.5×88.5mm

Battery: 1200mAh

E-liquid capacity: 2ml

USB Type C – 1A charge rate

Adjustable airflow

Draw or button activated

Side fill port

ASP Chipset

Tuesday, 11 January 2022

*NEW E-LIQUID REVIEW* A NEW OLD FAVOURITE, PINK GRENADE HYBRID SALTS BY RIOT SQUAD

Riot Squad needs no introduction, their flavours are consistently solid and are an absolute hit when it comes to the UK vape scene. I have been super lucky to have tried most of their flavours, but for me, one holds the definitive top spot.

'Pink Grenade' is an eclectic combination of refreshing flavours, all designed to brighten up your day. Eye-watering sourness is offered up by the lemonade side of things but is soon mellowed out by a sweet blend of bright red strawberries. The use of opposite profiles is exhibited incredibly well as both constituents bring full-on flavour to the table. I do notice an extremely subtle hint of iciness, but not overwhelmingly so - just enough to give this already impressive flavour a kick. 

If that wasn't already good enough for you, Riot Salts are a unique hybrid between both regular (freebase) and salt nicotine. This proprietary blend offers vapers the throat hit of freebase nicotine and the instant hit of salt nicotine. I really love how the throat hit is strong but still maintains the quick ingestion when vaping.

This line of e-liquids is 50/50 VG/PG and is currently available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg - all TPD compliant.

Sunday, 2 January 2022

*NEW ELIQUID REVIEW* Purple Bomb Nic Salts by VGod

Picked up on my travels, ‘Purple Bomb’ is one of the more impressive grape flavours I have had the pleasure of trying. With nicotine salt e-liquids holding the top spot in terms of my most used e-liquid type, I expect somewhat of a consistent and reliable ‘all day vape’ factor. If the flavour is even a tiny little bit off, it gets chucked in the spare e-liquid box - just in case vaping gets outlawed/there is an apocalypse/a robber steals all of my decent juice. 

An uncomplicated but popular flavour profile, ‘Purple Bomb’ is a straight up, candied grape that is rather akin to a soda, bubblegum or sweet variation. You get the subtle candy notes, as well as a deep, rich and juicy purple grape - combining in a simple but wondrous manner. This e-liquid carries very little sweetness, something that, in my opinion, only adds to the appeal of this flavour. At no point does ‘Purple Bomb’ become sickly and therefore cements this e-liquid as an all day vape. On this note, I relished the fact that there was a complete absence of ice in this e-liquid too, thus allowing the well rounded grape notes to pop in all their glory.

Despite being 25mg in strength, this e-liquid is super smooth and delivers a hit of nicotine in the way you’d expect from Nic salts in general.

Completely unrelated to the flavour itself, another thing I have a soft spot for would be the bottle size and shape. As many of you may be aware, here in the UK we have to follow TPD rules, one of which says any e-liquid with nicotine cannot be sold in bottles over the 10ml threshold, so when I was given a 30ml, 25mg e-liquid I grinned a little with excitement, a small but very appreciated touch.

Overall, I was gladly impressed with this flavour, it was simple and conveyed a rich, tasty grape without any ice or extra sweeteners. Definitely check this out if you are a fan of candy flavoured nic salts.