In this article...
- Aesthetics of the VLTZ re:fuel 2
- How the vape performs
- Additional features from the upgraded re:fuel
- A value for money vape kit
"This new device does everything the re:fuel did, but now with a bigger battery capacity and replaceable pods, all for the same price as the original!"
The VLTZ re:fuel 2 – an upgrade on the original
The original VLTZ re:fuel proved immensely popular amidst the rise in disposable vapes. It was designed to provide a refillable option for vapers who loved the taste of disposables but wanted a more cost-effective alternative. Paired with VLTZ e-liquid, the re:fuel did just that. It helped thousands of disposable vapers move onto a vape which would save them up to £84 a month*, compared with disposables. So why introduce the re:fuel 2?
The VLTZ re:fuel doesn't comply with the disposable vape ban on June 1st. Although the device is refillable and rechargeable, the atomizer head can't be removed from the battery. This means that the entire device needs to be disposed of when the atomizer head reaches the end of its life. The mission for Totally Wicked was simple: provide vapers with a product which performs just like the original re:fuel, in a compliant format. As an avid user of the original VLTZ re:fuel, I was keen to see how the new version fared.
Here's how I got on...
Look & Feel of the VLTZ re:fuel 2
When I received the re:fuel 2, my first thought was that it looked slightly different, in that It's slimmer than the original, and a little bit taller. However, despite the slender structure, it was clearly recognisable as an upgraded version of the re:fuel device. Yet, the bright gradient colour ways, cylindrical shape, and lightweight feel all remained. The tinted tank, bottom positioned charging port and side filling bung, were also almost identical. On the otherhand, I think this iteration of the device very much fits the description of a vape pen – moreso than its predecessor.
Whilst I consider myself relatively resistant to change, the slimmer structure grew on me very quickly. After just a few hours of using the re:fuel 2, I was more than won over by this slender style. All in all, there's not a lot more to say about the look and feel of the re:fuel 2. It looks like the much-loved re:fuel vape kit, but in a slimmed down design.
Ease of use
The re:fuel 2 is built around simplicity, just like its predecessor. There are no buttons to press and no setting to adjust, which ultimately means there was not a great deal that could go wrong. It uses an auto draw function, which means there was no risk of it accidentally activating in my pocket. The filling mechanism is a rubber bung on the side of the pod, which is exactly how the original re:fuel was refilled. The nice part about this is that the fill port is above the protrusion line, meaning the pod doesn't need to be removed to refill.
The pods have a fixed coil within them. This means that when the atomizer needs changing, I simply dispose of the entire pod and pop in a new one. It doesn't get much simpler than that!
Performance
During the sudden emergence of disposables back in 2021, I was very pleasantly surprised by the strong sweet flavour of them. This differed from the intesity of e-liquids which were available at the time. The VLTZ re:fuel with VLTZ e-liquid was the first refillable device and e-liquid which surpassed this taste profile. For me, the flavour which the re:fuel provided was the primary area I was keen to assess with the re:fuel 2. If the flavour production isn't up to scratch, it's an instant deal breaker.
Good news, I wasn't disappointed! The vapour production and flavour profile of the re:fuel 2 was pretty much the exact same as the original re:fuel. If it wasn't for the difference in appearance, I doubt I would have known the difference between the two. The coil within the vape pod is 0.8ohm, the same as its predecessor, and the result is as intended.
Another key performance indicator of mine is the battery capacity. The re:fuel 2 has an 800mAh battery capacity, which may seem moderate compared to other vapes on the market. However, it is a noticeable increase compared with the original re:fuel which had a 650mAh battery. That's almost 25% of extra battery capacity, and I must say I noticed the difference. The previous re:fuel would usually last me about a day between charges, but there were occasions where I would need to recharge throughout the day. With this extra bit of capacity, the re:fuel 2 comfortably lasts me a day between charges, so while 150mAh of extra battery may not seem like a lot, it made a huge difference to me in terms of convenience.
Features
The features on the VLTZ re:fuel are pretty minimal, but I guess that's sort of the point. However, there are a couple of nifty little additions on the re:fuel 2, compared with the re:fuel, which just make life that little bit easier. The first is the LED battery indicator. The three lights on the battery indicate more than 60% of remaining charge when all are illuminated. 2 illuminated lights means 20 - 59% remains and 1 light means there's less than 20% off battery remaining. As much as I loved the original re:fuel, the lack of accurate indication of when my battery was about to run out was a major gripe of mine, so this new feature is a big plus.
Constant voltage
The only way I could estimate when the original re:fuel was about to run out of battery was the reduction in power output. This was because it used direct output, which means when the battery depletes, so does the amount of power it produced. Ultimately when the original re:fuel had less than 20% of battery remaining, the experience was not too great. This takes me nicely on to next handy feature I noticed with the re:fuel 2 – constant voltage. Constant voltage means that the draw when vaping with 100% of battery remaining is the same as when 5% is remaining. This provides perfect consistency throughout.
The final improvement I noticed came with passthrough charging. This ultimately means I could use the vape kit when it was charging. This is a pretty standard feature for most modern vapes, but it is something which the original re:fuel didn't have, so that's another tick in the features box.
These three features are subtle but really did improve the all-round experience. If you're expecting AI generated puff count statistics or in-depth Bluetooth functions, then the re:fuel 2's features may seem underwhelming. However, if like me, you're after a vape which has features geared towards simplicity and reliability, then you'll love these new improvements.
Value
I only became aware of the price of the re:fuel 2 after testing it for a couple of weeks. My expectation was that it would be 30 - 40% dearer than the original re:fuel. An assumption owing to the improvements in features and the fact the pods are now replaceable. Amazingly, the new version retails at the exact same price as the previous version at just £10.99, which includes a bottle of VLTZ e-liquid worth £4.99.
This new version does everything the re:fuel did, but now with a bigger battery capacity and replaceable pods, all for the same price as the original! What's more, once you have the kit, there's no need to keep purchasing batteries as I now just need to replace the pods. This gives even better value as 2 pods retail at £5.99 saving almost 30% in ongoing costs.
Final thoughts on the VLTZ re:fuel 2
I can't speak highly enough of this device. I was becoming slightly anxious when I found out the original re:fuel would disappear amid the disposable ban. It’s been my go-to vape when I've needed something which is simple and reliable when out and about. However, my prayers were answered with the arrival of the new edition. Not only does the re:fuel 2 meet the expectations set by its predecessor, it far exceeds them.
References
*£84 a month savings calculation: Disposables cost calculation is based on Totally Wicked's in-store multipack pricing structure on Elf Bars and Geek Bars. VLTZ re:fuel cost is calculated on average weekly usage based on one VLTZ re:fuel plus an extra bottle of 10ml VLTZ e-liquid.
