Eleaf vs GEEK BAR: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: Eleaf vs GEEK BAR. We're here to dissect every puff, flavor, and cloud.
But how do they compare against each other in terms of product range, performance, flavors, value, and more?
Whether you're on team Eleaf or rooting for GEEK BAR, this detailed comparison guide is packed with juicy details!
And stick around, because we've got a twist for you – nicotine-free vapes from Cyclone Pods. Safer, smoother, and even more satisfying.
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A Quick Intro to Eleaf and GEEK BAR
Eleaf is a China-based vaping company that offers a wide range of electronic cigarettes, including mods, tanks, and starter kits, catering to both novice and experienced users. They’re known for simple designs at affordable prices.
Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, GEEK BAR is a brand under the umbrella of Geek Vape Technology Co. Ltd., a popular vape company. GEEK BAR is known for its disposable vapes, which come in various colors and are pre-filled with nic salt e-liquid. These devices are a favorite among beginners.
Brand History and Background of Eleaf and GEEK BAR
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
Eleaf was founded in Shenzhen in 2011. The 2014 launch of the iStick series, known for its compact design and ease of use, bolstered the company’s reputation among a diverse user base. As the brand evolved, it broadened its offerings with various mods, tanks, and starter kits, prioritizing tech advancement and customer satisfaction. Eleaf has faced regulatory scrutiny from the US FDA and has been subject to health debates, but the company remains focused on product safety and compliance.
GEEK BAR, founded in 2015, has a distribution network spanning several countries, including the USA and the UK. In order to expand its business in the UK, it’s setting up an advanced manufacturing facility in China’s Guangdong province. However, the brand has encountered significant challenges with its counterfeits in the market, impacting brand integrity and consumer safety. In 2021, the company faced controversy when a 12-year-old TikTok user claimed to have sampled GEEK BAR products and posted videos and posts with the hashtag #geekbar. In 2022, the brand launched an online platform called Vapewatch to help wholesalers, retailers, and distributors comply with UK regulations and ensure that they are selling vapes only to adults.
Eleaf vs GEEK BAR Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of Eleaf and GEEK BAR vapes before we get into the details:
|
Eleaf |
GEEK BAR |
Product Range |
iStick Series, iJust Series, Pico Series (mod and tank mod vapes) IORE Series, iSOLO Series (pod mods) IORE 500 Disposable, iStick D Disposable (disposable vapes) EN Series, EP Series, GTL Series, MELO Series, GS Series, iJust Series, ELLO Series (tanks) EN Series, EP Series, GTL Series, EC Series, GX Series, GZ Series, HW Series, GT Series, EF Series (coils) (Note: Availability differs by country) |
Disposable Vapes: Pulse, Meloso, Wondar 1, DF8000 Pod Kit: J1 Pod Kit
|
Nicotine-free options available? |
No |
No |
Device Quality & Build |
High-quality, smooth, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, leather (on select products only), and plastic construction |
Brightly colored, ergonomic, soft mouthpiece, innovative designs, full-screen displays with animations (for certain devices) |
Battery Capacity |
Varies between 1050mAh to 5000mAh, depending on the device Mini iStick 10W: 1050mAh iStick (standard): 2200mAh iStick Power 2: 5000mAh |
Wondar 1: 650mAh Meloso Mini: 550mAh DF8000: 600mAh Meloso Ultra: 630mAh J1 Pod Kit: 500mAh |
Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Disposable vape range: 1.5-2.3ml, comes with 50mg (5%) nic salt vape juice Reusable tanks: typically 2-5ml, recommended to be used with 5mg - 20mg nic salt vape juice Reusable pods: 2ml, recommended to be used with 5mg - 20mg nic salt vape juice Disposable pods: 1.5ml, used with 20mg nic salt vape juice |
J1 Pod Kit: 2ml (2% nic salt) Meloso Pro: 12ml (2% nicotine) Pulse: 16ml (5% nicotine) DF8000: 14ml (2%, 5% nicotine options) Meloso Ultra: 18ml (5% nicotine) |
Number of Puffs per Pod |
IORE 500 Disposable: 500 puffs IORE Lite Disposable pod: 3000 puffs GX Series and MELO series coils: 2000 puffs |
Meloso Pro: 4000 puffs DF8000: 8000 puffs J1 Pod Kit: 600 puffs Meloso Ultra: 10000 puffs Pulse: 15000 puffs (regular mode), 7500 puffs (pulse mode) |
Charging Time |
Stick Power 2: 120 minutes iStick 30W: 120 minutes iJust Start: 180 minutes |
Wondar 1: 45 minutes (Type C-quick charge) Pulse (standard version): 60 - 90 mins (Type C-quick charge) |
Safety Features |
Short circuit protection, battery level indicator, automatic shut off, low-voltage protection |
Short circuit protection, overcharging protection, low-voltage protection, VPU for a more balanced atomization effect |
Device and Pod Cost |
iStick range: $22.99 -$53.99 IORE range: $10.09 - $16.09 |
Pulse: $12.99 Meloso Max: $11 - $13 Meloso Ultra: $15 - $16 |
Customer Support and Warranty |
90 days limited warranty |
14 days (quality warranty) |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
Eleaf vapes are known for their innovative designs and aesthetics across the board. Most Eleaf vapes incorporate tanks into their designs, as well as smooth, flush finishes that give off a sophisticated feel and tone. The IORE range introduced ultra-lightweight pod-based vapes that pack a punch with fast charging and sleek, minimalistic designs. But users have raised some functional issues like inconvenient refill mechanisms on some models, like in the iJust's atomizer design and the iStick P100's overly turbulent and noisy airflow. So, while Eleaf excels in functionality and affordability, there's room for enhancing design, convenience, and overall aesthetic appeal.
GEEK BAR vapes are known for their vibrant colors (gradient color schemes in some devices) and metallic accents. This design aesthetic adds to the visual appeal of their vapes but could deter those preferring a subtler, understated look. Some of the devices, such as Pulse, feature sleek cosmic graphics and a full-screen display with animations.
2. Performance and Battery Life
The battery life of Eleaf products varies depending on the specific model and usage patterns. The Eleaf iStick, for example, features a compact design with a 2200mAh capacity, reaching up to 20W output wattage and adjustable voltage settings. On the other hand, the iStick Power has an impressive 5000mAh battery capacity, supporting up to 80W output and various modes like VW, Bypass, Smart, and TC for different vaping experiences.
The pre-charged batteries of the GEEK BAR disposables have smaller capacities compared to reusable vapes. However, the battery performance of most of its products is at par with the industry standards. For instance, the Wondar 1 comes with a 650 mAh battery and tops up from 0 to 100% in 45 minutes. That said, some models, like the Pulse, face battery life issues as screen animations drain the battery much faster.
3. Longevity
Eleaf incorporates leather, aluminum, and ABS plastic in its vapes to boost its longevity. However, the longevity of Eleaf products, such as the Eleaf iStick and iCare, varies depending on usage and maintenance. Fortunately, repair and maintenance is easy and convenient, as replacement parts like coils and tanks, pods, and glass tubes are readily available and easy to install.
GEEK BAR offers a range of disposable devices with varying degrees of longevity depending on the model and your vaping habits. For instance, the J1 Pod Kit offers up to 600 puffs on its 500 mAh single-use battery. On the other hand, Meloso Ultra delivers as many as 10000 puffs per pod. The Pulse series offers you the option of switching between regular and pulse modes that guarantee 15000 and 7500 puffs, respectively. The standard GEEK BAR will last you anywhere between one and three days. While regular draws will ensure your device delivers close to the estimated puff count, longer draws will likely deplete your device faster.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
Eleaf offers a diverse range of e-liquid flavors and products designed to enhance the vaping experience:
GEEK BAR disposables come with pre-filled liquids in a variety of flavors to suit your unique taste preferences. You can find a range of tropical, refreshing, and dessert-inspired flavors such as watermelon ice, mango smoothie, chocolate mint ice cream, blue cotton candy, and more. A few GEEK BAR devices, like Wondar 1, feature a refillable pod that you can fill with 3rd party e-liquids for a more personalized flavor selection.
5. Vaping Experience
Eleaf vapes allow you to select from a wide range of personalized coils and cutting-edge features like temperature control and power outputs. You can personalize your vape's taste, vapor production, and power output – whether you prefer large, smooth clouds or chasing that throat kick.
Given that they require no filling or maintenance, GEEK BAR vapes are a convenient, hassle-free option for vaping enthusiasts. Their vapes operate on the VPU (vape processing unit) technology which claims to boost cloud volume by 23.7%. GEEK BAR vapes feature FDA-certified food-grade shells for a safe and hygienic vaping experience. However, the lack of customization options (e.g., no adjustable wattage) on GEEK BAR vapes might leave experienced users wanting more.
6. Health and Safety Concerns
The Eleaf brand's official website and product pages are upfront about the addictive qualities of nicotine, making it clear that their offerings are strictly for adult users. But, nicotine use is widely associated with addiction, nausea, breathing difficulties, and cardiovascular issues.
GEEK BAR vapes come pre-filled with e-liquids ranging from 2% to 5% nicotine strength. Nicotine can be highly addictive and have damaging effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health. Additionally, GEEK BAR primarily offers disposable vapes that raise environmental concerns over the waste they generate.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
In 2020, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to Eleaf USA regarding health and safety concerns associated with their Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). This letter highlighted issues related to new tobacco products without required marketing authorization, which are considered adulterated and misbranded. Since then, Eleaf has abided by US regulations and continues to sell in the US.
There have been concerns about the “super-strength GEEK BAR” vapes in the US market being equivalent to smoking 125 cigarettes. And as we mentioned earlier, there have been reports of underage individuals using GEEK BAR devices. This is due to the influx of counterfeit products that are sold irresponsibly to minors and can lead to serious health and addiction issues associated with nicotine use. Additionally, the 2024 UK regulations — like the ban on disposable vapes and the limit on e-liquid capacity (max 2ml) and nicotine content (max 20mg/ml) — might lead to the discontinuation of many Geek Bar products. For instance, devices like the GEEK BAR Pro have 5% nicotine and a tank capacity of 4.5ml.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content Potential
Eleaf’s disposable vapes contain either 17mg, 30mg, or 50mg (1.7%, 3%, and 5%) nic salt vape juice in 2.3-4ml capacities. Note: Eleaf pod and mod vapes are compatible with third-party e-liquids of varying strengths (check coil compatibility before use).
GEEK BAR vapes are prefilled with e-liquid that have nicotine strengths varying from 2% to 5%. Devices like Meloso Pro and J1 Pod Kit offer beginner-friendly 2% nicotine in their e-liquids. On the other hand, with their 5% nicotine strength, Pulse and Meloso Ultra pack a punch for heavy users.
9. Compatibility with Other Products
Eleafs’ proprietary design limits its cross-compatibility with other pods. However, Eleaf devices are compatible with third-party e-liquids.
Most disposable GEEK BAR vapes are prefilled with flavored e-liquids. They are not designed to be modified or re-filled.
10. Availability and Accessibility
Eleaf products are widely available through various online vape stores and their official online stores across the US and the UK.
GEEK BAR products are available in retail and online stores worldwide, including the US, UK, and China. However, look out for specific location-based restrictions, especially in regions with strict e-cigarette regulations or flavor bans.
11. Cost vs. Quality
Eleaf vapes offer a variety of vaping options across different price points. For example, the Eleaf iStick range is priced between $24 and $47. Other Eleaf products with limited features, such as the IOre range, are more cost-effective and are priced between $10 - $16. Eleaf’s disposable vapes are typically around $6.
GEEK BAR vapes are competitively priced and offer decent value for money. While they may be a good option as your backup device or travel companion, their disposable nature makes them less cost-effective in the long run than refillable and rechargeable vapes.
Pros and Cons of Eleaf and GEEK BAR
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
Pros of Eleaf |
Cons of Eleaf |
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Pros of GEEK BAR |
Cons of GEEK BAR |
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In short, both Eleaf and GEEK BAR stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both Eleaf and GEEK BAR are not without their regulatory challenges.
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