An introduction to “4-in-1”s:
With patterns in vaping seemingly coming and going constantly, there's one design, birthed from necessity, that's captured the hearts and minds of the UK vape scene. This being of course the “4-in-1” prefilled pod kit. Built to comply with 2ml TPD regulations, these kits utilise four 2ml pods loaded into separate chambers, effectively bringing your average puff count from 600 (like your typical disposable) to 2400 puffs.
This unlocks the potential for multiple flavours to be included in one kit, giving the option to alternate between them. This allows vapers to experience new flavours without having to commit to a single one.
So now that the novelty has become an established trend, let's have a look at what two industry heavy hitters SKE and Lost Mary bring to the table. We'll establish their strengths and shortcomings then pit them against each other to find out; Who is the 4-in-1 to rule them all?!
Specifications:
- Battery Capacity: 950mAh
- Price: £14.99
- E-liquid Capacity: 8ml total (4x 2ml pods)
- Coil Resistance: 1.1 ohm mesh coil
- Charging: USB Type-C
- Puffs: Up to 2400 (up to 600 per pod)
- Nicotine Strength: 20mg (2%)
Pros:
- Monstrous Battery Life: Thanks to its 950mAh battery, you won't find yourself having to charge this kit very often. It's safe to say there's enough power in this thing last most vapers a full day without a recharge.
- User-Friendly Design: Using this kit has been made a breeze! Once the pods are loaded you intuitively know what to do; just rotate the barrel containing the pods and you're good to go!
- Compact Size: Standing just under 7cm (2.8 inch) tall and 4cm (1.6 inches) wide, the SKE 4-in-1 is effortless to carry around and store even in shallow pockets.
Cons:
- Fiddly Pod Container: One thing we have found while using this kit, is the way the pods seem to want to jump out at you when opening the lid. This can be a small hassle when switching pods. Limited to MTL Vaping: Designed primarily for Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) vaping, which might not suit those who prefer Direct-To-Lung (DTL) hits.
Specifications:
- Battery Capacity: 850mAh
- Price: £12.99
- E-liquid Capacity: 8ml total (4x 2ml pods)
- Coil Resistance: 1.0 ohm mesh coil
- Charging: USB Type-C
- Puffs: Up to 3000 (Using Eco Mode)
- Nicotine Strength: 20mg (2%)
Pros:
- Masterfully Crafted Flavours: Lost Mary, known for their quality disposable vape flavours, bring the same ethos into producing the pods for this kit, you can tell each flavour has been put together with the same superb ingredients as found in their popular BM600 series.
- Vaping Modes: Accommodates both MTL and DTL vaping. Through its use of variable wattage modes, the Lost Mary provides the hit of choice based on your preference.
- ECO Mode: This kit features a toggle switch for activating “Eco Mode” which lowers the wattage down to a more efficient level, allowing you to get even more out of its already generous battery.
Cons:
- Larger Size: Slightly larger in stature compared with other kits of its type but by no means massive. The Lost Mary stands at over 7cm (2.8 inches) tall which might not be ideal for users seeking ultimate portability.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Flavour Variety and Cost:
SKE Crystal: 10 flavour editions. Equivalent to £2.25 per pod.
Lost Mary: 10 flavour editions. Equivalent to £2.50 per pod.
Battery Life:
SKE Crystal: 950mAh battery.
Lost Mary: 850mAh battery.
Puff Count:
SKE Crystal: Up to 2400 puffs.
Lost Mary: Up to 3000 puffs (Using Eco Mode).
Vaping Style:
SKE Crystal: Best for MTL vaping.
Lost Mary: Suitable for both MTL and DTL vaping.
Design and Portability:
SKE Crystal: More compact but chunkier.
Lost Mary: Slightly larger but sleek and user-friendly.
Verdict:
While both devices offer impressive features, ultimately the Lost Mary 4-in-1 stands out for its quality liquids, cheaper price and innovative new design. Now that's not to say that the SKE Crystal lacks in the flavour department because it definitely does not; SKE are known for their fantastic nic salts however Lost Mary just about trumps them in this regard.
Although some may see it as gimmicky, the “Eco” feature really grants the user far greater control over their battery capacity and vaping style. So there it is, our impartial verdict on which 4-in-1 offers the superior overall experience. Despite this we do encourage you to try both as your opinions may differ from ours!
Written by Jakub.O