Products used in this review:
About the brand
RELX is an abbreviation for the words Responsibility, Empathy, Leadership, and Experience. These are the four key areas in which this Shenzhen-based vape manufacturer excels and has been at the very heart of every product release since its inception back in 2018 by Chinese billionaire Kate Wang. The ensuing years have reaped dividends, too, with RELX expanding facilities across Asia while branching into European vape markets. At home, they can stake the claim as the number one brand as well as having a dominant presence in both Italy and Spain under the pod kit category.
The RELX team is diverse, with 22 nationalities spanning 10 countries. They are totally dedicated to innovation and the pursuit of excellence. Enhancing lives with transformative products is one of their most admirable traits. So team strength and belief, customer focus and understanding, experience through public feedback and responsibility all come together to make RELX who they are. With so much negative press in recent months surrounding disposable vapes and illicit sales to minors, it's really refreshing to learn about their Guardian program.
They fully support the UK government's upcoming legislation and regulations preventing minors from purchasing and using products. RELX care to the point that their vaping products will never be found in store locations within a 50-mile radius of a school, playground, or facility frequented by minors. Drastic times call for drastic measures and it seems RELX are prepared to act accordingly and responsibly. One can only commend them for that.
History Of the RELX Infinity Pod Kit
It really all began with the RELX Classic. This pod kit paved the way for the original Infinity device. Even the size and shape were similar, with both products composed of aluminium alloy to keep weight to the bare minimum.
The RELX Infinity device was released in September 2020 with its improved pre-filled Pro pods, which capitalized on all the popular flavours of the original Classic device. Even the leak-proof tech had been upgraded to ensure the recycling of condensate back into the pod. On the outside, there were changes too. The Classic's solid vaping LED was replaced with a glowing alternative. For the first time, haptic feedback alerted the user when the pod had been successfully installed and responded to what RELX calls Smart Pace... More on this later. Type C USB charging made a welcome return, the option of charging from a portable dock was introduced, and the battery capacity was increased from 350mAh to 380mAh.
The RELX Infinity Plus arrived later and has further improved charging times. It incorporated a 4-bar battery indicator and was compatible with both the Classic and Infinity pre-filled pod ranges. Then, RELX launched the Infinity 2 pod kit in 2023... Let's take a closer look!
RELX Infinity 2 Pod Kit - Presentation
The device comes in a box about the size of a packet of cigarettes; this alone may be encouraging to the brand-new vaper, something that appears familiar. Of course, the branding is all about RELX, and they've done a pretty good job in terms of presentation. A partial image is displayed on the front of the packaging, slightly embossed to make it the centre of attention. The chosen colour is clearly printed to the left of the image, while the 3-level feature is teased on the right. One side of the box displays the main features of the RELX Infinity 2, and the other provides a few technical specs and information about what's in the box. On the rear, the Guardian program is mentioned and makes clear that the product is 'for existing adult smokers and vapers only'.
Inside the Box
The Infinity 2 comes in a slip-case box, so it's very easy to get your grubby hands on. The instruction manual, hidden inside its own cardboard wallet, rests inside the top of the box. I must say that I'm pretty impressed with the level of detail these instructions provide. It really does feel like RELX have paid due care and consideration to the newer vaper and not just someone who's decided to replace their existing vape kit. Diagrams, charts, and colour prints are included where relevant, and everything is clearly explained. Quick start instructions are printed on the very first page for those keen to use the device!
The Infinity 2's battery section sits inside a hollow cardboard surround and is easily removed by pulling on a plastic tab. Pulling further on this tab will release another cardboard flap, exposing the Type C USB charging cable beneath.
- RELX Infinity 2 device
- User manual
- Type C USB charging cable
RELX Infinity 2 Battery section
As with previous iterations in the series, the Infinity 2 battery is made from an elliptical aluminium alloy. The Obsidian Black version I received has a nice, smooth Satin finish. The four-bar LED battery indicator is protected under a gloss black circle on the front.
A three-stage power adjustment button is located approximately midway on one side of the battery, raised enough to be located without having to look. It's very responsive and clicky, and haptic feedback from the device is instant—every time.
The RELX logo is printed on the rear at the top, and two very small pinhole slots are punched into both sides in a position to provide restrictive airflow to the ceramic coil of the pods (not included).
When making a direct comparison to the original Infinity pod kit, we can see that there are a few upgrades/modifications.
Firstly, and as hinted by the information displayed on the box, three-level power adjustment is now possible. Type C USB charging has been accelerated 130% over the original device and can reach 80% within 15 minutes. Whereas it previously took 45 minutes to charge the device fully, it now takes a mere 27 minutes.
The original's 380mAh integrated battery has now been boosted by 14% to 440mAh, and the single multicolour LED has been replaced with two—one on either side of the new 4-bar battery LED indicator. However, the original's slim-fit charging case has been ditched in favour of an included Type C USB charging cable.
You can buy the RELX Infinity 2 pod kit in a host of different colour schemes. As well as Obsidian Black, there's Dark Asteroid, Meteor Flash, Pearl Glitter, Green Navy, Blue Bay, Royal Indigo, and Cherry Blossom.
How To Use 3-level Power Adjustment
Although the RELX Infinity 2 pod kit is compatible with RELX pod/RELX Pod Pro pre-filled pods, it's important to note that power adjustment is only possible while using the newer RELX Pod Pro 2 pre-filled pods. If you don't have the newer pods, the device automatically sets the power output to 6.5W.
Pressing the power button on the side of the battery will allow the user to cycle through three different power settings:
- Green LED - Eco Mode. 5.5W of power is passed to the ceramic coil for a lighter vape with discreet vapour production. Use this mode to preserve up to 25% battery life.
- Blue LED - Smooth Mode. 6.5W of power is passed to the ceramic coil to provide a vaping experience similar to the original RELX Infinity pod kit.
- Purple LED - Boost Mode. 8W of power is passed to the ceramic coil for instant flavour and vapour satisfaction, providing 15% more vapour production than Smooth mode.
I also like how the haptic feedback responds to the chosen power level. It vibrates once when selecting the lowest setting, twice for mid-power, and three times for the highest setting. While vaping, it only takes a single press of the button to confirm which setting you've chosen—the colour LED and several haptic responses act in a very reassuring manner.
The device relies entirely on auto inhale to function, and the 4-bar white LED battery indicator automatically illuminates with every puff.
- 4 bars - 100% - 75% charge providing 300 - 500 puffs
- 3 bars - 75% - 50% charge providing 210 - 350 puffs
- 2 bars - 50% - 25% charge providing 135 - 225 puffs
- 1 bar below 25% charge remaining providing 60 - 100 puffs
The battery will also provide haptic feedback for every 15 puffs taken within a 15-minute period, allowing the user to monitor vaping frequency. RELX refers to this as 'Smartpace' functionality.
RELX PRO Pre-filled Disposable Pods
Having received the RELX pod PRO 2 pods with the review model, I'm able to use the device's 3-level power adjustment to see how the settings affect flavour, vapour, and battery life. I got hold of three flavours in the range, so I'll be testing these shortly. Each pod comes complete with its own ceramic coil and organic cotton and is pre-filled with 1.9ml of 18mg salt nicotine flavoured e-liquid.
These are what we know as sealed pods—one-time use. Once the E-liquid has been vaped, the spent pods will need to be disposed of responsibly, please! They come in blister packs of two, and RELX reliably informs us that's the equivalent of up to 2,000 puffs. I'll be testing that claim, too, shortly.
I must say the pods' mouthpieces are very ergonomically designed and very comfortable to use. Being semi-transparent, it's possible to view the remaining e-liquid through the pod window. Visually, I'm very much reminded of an assortment of disposables still on the market, especially so once the pod is connected to the battery section. This is achieved by using two gold-plated magnets on the base of the pod. They also fit either way around, making it even easier to get vaping sooner! Haptic feedback will alert the user of a successful connection between the pod and the device. (Remaining battery life is also briefly indicated at this point by anything between 1-4 white LED bars and the current power level colour LED is also briefly displayed)
Through the detailed instruction manual, I was able to establish that the magnet shapes of the PRO pods and the latest PRO 2 pod versions were different. The former are circular, while the latter are elliptical.
So, in terms of flavours, there are plenty to choose from, including Mint, fruit, menthol, tea, beverage, and tobacco profiles. It also looks like RELX are regularly adding to the list.
Testing the RELX Infinity 2 Pod Kit
Let's start with the three flavours I received.
Watermelon Ice - The first to be tested, and what's most noticeable is the distinct lack of sweetness usually associated with this Summer fruit. Sweetness is still there but far more balanced with Watermelon's sour, bitter characteristics. As a result, I found the taste experience to be less harsh or sickly, allowing more of a natural flavour to pull through. The cooling agent also appears to have been toned down somewhat. It's less powerful than that found from the inhale of a disposable vape.
Jasmine Longjing Tea - This one is definitely an acquired taste. It has a very floral, plant-like taste. The experience of exhaling is somewhat vegetal and certainly different. However, the aftertaste is quite 'soapy' with just the faintest trace of sweetness backing it up. The vape also appeared to taste quite dry compared to watermelon ice. An icy cold blast generated during inhale does provide some refreshment to proceedings but generally speaking I'm not a fan of this one. Jasmine Longjing Tea will likely have a niche fan base.
Ludou Ice - This is another unique taste, and one I'm really not too sure about. The flavour description reads Mung Beans with a delicate hint of Ice Cream. Yeah - like I said. Unique. I actually taste a hint of Mint. It's very distant but still discernible. There are also woody, earthy flavour notes. These combine to offer an almost Tobacco-like quality. As with Jasmine Longjing Tea, it can taste slightly dry on the exhale, and there's very little sweetness to lift the flavour experience. As for Ice Cream? I don't really notice any of that. It gets lost in a weird, eclectic mix of subtle flavour notes that don't seem to fit together as a whole. So this one really isn't for me. Having said that, if you're looking for something off the beaten track, by all means give it a go!
Ceramic Coil Performance
From my tests, it seems there are clear differences between ceramic and mesh coils. Ceramic coils may heat as evenly as mesh but don't generate as much noise on the inhale. A much smoother inhale and resulting vape are experienced, with flavour highly consistent throughout. Mesh coils can sometimes create a spit back of E-liquid during inhale, leaving a concentrated taste in the mouth. This never happened with the ceramic coil. The flavour seems to be cleaner, purer, and more natural-tasting, while definitely not as strong or vibrant as that of a traditional disposable vape. The applied cooling agent wasn't as intrusive, and sweetness levels were realistically pitched.
Airflow and Vapour Production
The RELX Infinity 2 has been designed for new vapers used to the restrictive draw from a cigarette. As a mouth-to-lung device, it most definitely succeeds.
The airflow restriction is spot on, and long, satisfying inhales are possible before the battery's time-out safety feature kicks in. Because the airflow restriction is perfectly pitched, not much vapour is lost prior to inhaling—in my opinion; this is always the acid test for a decent MTL vape. As a consequence, vapour production during exhale is satisfying while also remaining discreet enough for any non-vaper within a distance. It must also be noted that these pods draw anything up to 8W of power, so the volume may not be as dense as from some disposable vapes.
Power Settings
There are subtle differences between the three power settings, but the clearest output indicator is when comparing the lowest (Green) and highest (Purple) settings.
The cooling qualities of the flavours are more pronounced and appear slightly sharper on the inhale using the highest setting, and vapour production is boosted by around 25%, in my opinion. To me, the flavour was generally better on the mid to low settings—it just seemed to have more clarity and vigour with less power thrown to the cooling agent.
Battery Performance, Charging and Number of Puffs
Wow! I couldn't fault the Infinity 2's battery life.
It held up for an amazing 14 hours of continuous use while using the lowest (Green) battery power setting. Even then, there was still E-liquid left in the 1.9ml pod - after recharging the device, it gave me another 4.5 hours before needing to be replaced! This means that I got closer to 1,200 puffs from a single pod. You can't say that about any single-use disposable on the market.
On the highest (Purple) battery power setting, I got 9 hours of use from a single charge. Again, there was still E-liquid in the pod, and this lasted for another 3 hours after charging. So, there will be the inevitable trade-off between using low or high-power settings. Regardless, I still managed somewhere in the region of 900 puffs, outperforming the boasts of any single-use disposable vape.
Equally impressive is the charging time. The battery LED indicator will flash Red 10 times when the battery is empty, and the device will cease to work. After plugging in the type C USB charging cable it took a mere 30 seconds for the White LED battery indicator to reach the third bar. After 20 mins, the device was fully charged! If you can't wait that long to toot again, the device does allow vaping while charging. You really can't ask for more, can you?
Pros
- Decent flavour and vapour production
- Exemplary battery life
- Super fast charging
- Lightweight and pocket-friendly
- Hot-swappable sealed flavour pods
- Three-stage power management that does make a noticeable difference
- Ability to view remaining e-liquid levels through semi-transparent pods
- Comfortable and ergonomic mouthpiece
Cons
- Flavours are not as intense or vibrant as a disposable vape
- Autodraw can randomly fail on occasion
Who's the RELX Infinity 2 Device For?
Certainly, disposable vapers. The RELX Infinity 2 device is an ideal replacement with the proposed ban on disposable vapes.
Although the pods don't quite match them for flavour intensity, you're still getting a great taste that's actually cleaner and more refined. And given that the device can perform for at least twice as long, offering twice as many puffs, you're onto a winner, in my opinion. The size, shape, and weight are also familiar to disposable users, but they also introduce very basic coil power management. It offers the choice of three types of flavour intensity without too much expense to battery efficiency.
So, for those considering moving up to basic starter pen devices, the RELX Infinity 2 may also be the kit to use as a bridge between those and disposable vapes.
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