Elf Bar vs FLUM: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: Elf Bar vs FLUM. 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 Elf Bar or rooting for FLUM, 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 Elf Bar and FLUM
Elf Bars is an electronic cigarette brand that sells disposable vape devices coming in a wide range of flavors, nicotine levels, and sizes. Known for their fruity flavors and colorful appearance, Elf Bars are draw-activated devices, meaning they operate by inhaling through the top of the device. They are rechargeable devices designed to be used and disposed of after their e-liquid has run dry.
FLUM, based in Shenzhen, China, offers a range of disposable vapes in different flavors. These devices are perfect for both new vapers looking for an easy-to-use option and experienced users seeking a portable vape.
Brand History and Background of Elf Bar and FLUM
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
Founded in 2018 and owned by parent company iMiracle Technologies, Elf Bar is the brainchild of active CEO Victor Xiao. They’re considered a pioneer in the flavor department of vaping, releasing a wide range of fruity blends and colorful device options. Elf Bar has faced criticism for allegedly marketing the products toward young adults with sweet, candy-like flavors. For this reason, they’re discontinuing several of their flavors in an attempt to curb the rising use of their products by underage people. In the US, they dropped the Elf Bar name because of a trademark dispute and actions taken by regulators to seize its imports. It has been renamed to EBCreate, selling products under the domain “EB Design.”
FLUM was founded by Flumigo Technology Ltd., a company based in China. It became popular after launching the FLUM Float series, the first disposables introduced by this vaping brand. As of 2024, FLUM hasn’t received FDA approval to sell their disposables in the USA. But, the products are widely available on various e-commerce platforms and specialized vape shops across the US.
Elf Bar vs FLUM Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of Elf Bar and FLUM vapes before we get into the details:
|
Elf Bar |
FLUM |
Product Range |
Elf Bar BC/NC/TE/CR/BM/FB Series (Disposables) Elf Bar CIGALIKE (Disposables) Elf Bar Lux Series (Disposables) Elf Bar T Series (Disposables) Elf Bar 600 (Disposables) Elf Bar Mate Series (Pod Vape) Elf Bar ELFA pro (Pod Vape) ELFIQ E-Liquid (E-Juice) |
FLUM Float, FLUM Gio, FLUM Pebble, FLUM Pebble X, FLUM Mello (Disposables)
|
Nicotine-free options available? |
Yes |
Yes (FLUM Float 3000 Disposable) |
Device Quality & Build |
Minimalist design, compact, round edges, sturdy body, plastic construction. |
Ergonomic design with rounded edges and a smooth outer finish |
Battery Capacity |
Elf Bar disposable range (non-rechargeable): ≈ 600 mAh Elf Bar disposable range (rechargeable): ≈ 650 mAh |
FLUM Float: 650 mAh |
Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
BC5000: 9.5-13ml of e-liquid. TE6000: 13ml Mate 500: 1.2ml Nicotine strengths (US): Nicotine Strengths (UK): |
FLUM Float: 6.1ml, 5% and 0% |
Number of Puffs per Pod |
Mate 500: 500 puffs Elf Bar BC5000 (and BC series): 5000 puffs Elf Bar Cigalike: 400 puffs Elf Bar ELFA Pro: 600 puffs |
FLUM Float: Up to 3000 |
Charging Time |
30 - 90 minutes |
FLUM Pebble: 1-2 hours |
Safety Features |
LED indicator, auto-shutoff, overcharge protection, overheat protection |
LED indicator, short-circuit protection, over-charging protection, and age verification at purchase |
Device and Pod Cost |
BC5000: $15.00 TE6000: $9.99 Pi9000:$21.00 |
FLUM Float: $13.99 |
Customer Support and Warranty |
6 months |
Not mentioned on the website |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
Elf Bar’s design is sleek and compact, with a rounded, lightweight finish. They are very portable, discrete, and minimalistic. Elf Bars have no buttons or LCD screens - to activate them, you draw on the mouthpiece, making them very user-friendly.
The FLUM Float and the Gio series are pen-style, cylindrical vape devices in a range of soft colors. In contrast, the Pebble, Pebble X, and Mello series feature rectangular-shaped gadgets with a smooth, matte-like exterior. The Mello lineup offers animated screens that allow easy monitoring of e-liquid capacity and battery life status.
2. Performance and Battery Life
Elf Bars have batteries ranging from 500 - 650 mAh, which packs enough punch to keep you vaping for hours at a time. Their larger vapes typically contain a 650 mAh battery, providing up to 4 days of battery with casual use on a single charge of 90 minutes. Elf Bars come with temperature regulation and overcharge protection.
The FLUM Float, Gio, and Mello devices, each with a 650 mAh battery, provide reasonably good longevity but might not satisfy heavy users. The Pebble devices, with a 500 mAh battery, fall short in endurance. However, the Pebble X devices come with a robust 2000 mAh battery, ensuring you enjoy extended vape sessions. Overall, some models excel and others require frequent recharging, making battery life a critical consideration for potential buyers.
3. Longevity
There’s a reason Elf Bars are so popular in the vaping world - large batteries and larger tanks. Designed as disposable vapes, Elf Bar lifespans are primarily measured in terms of puffs rather than days. Here are some estimated durations based on usage patterns:
The FLUM Float and Gio devices, with up to 3000 puffs and 650 mAh batteries, are suitable for moderate users and might require frequent recharging. The Pebble and Pebble X devices, offering up to 6000 puffs, show better durability. Besides, the Pebble X's 2000 mAh battery provides extended use. The Mello lineup stands out with an impressive 20,000 puffs. However, its small 650 mAh battery may require more frequent charging than you’d like.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
Elf Bar has an almost endless flavor range. However, we can break them down into five major categories:
FLUM disposables are available in a variety of fruit-based, and other flavors, including:
5. Vaping Experience
Elf Bars offer a flavorful and simplistic vaping experience. Using only nicotine-salt-based e-liquids, Elf Bar vapor is generally soft on the throat and substitutes well for smoking. Being easy to use, with an endless flavor range and a variety of nicotine strengths to choose from, Elf Bar can appeal to a wide audience - veterans and beginners alike.
The Flum Mello devices are equipped with hybrid 2.0 mesh coils, which deliver consistent flavor from the first draw to the last. The adjustable airflow button allows for precise control over the air-to-e-liquid mix, providing a personalized vaping experience. You can also view essential information, such as remaining e-liquid and battery levels, on an HD display screen.
6. Health and Safety Concerns
Elf Bars are generally considered safer than smoking cigarettes, yet they carry risks of addiction and various health concerns. Nicotine content of 6% in some of their products is great for transitioning smokers, but they can get more and more users addicted to nicotine in no time. These can range from dizziness and nausea to cardiovascular disease, largely due to their high concentrations of liquid nicotine and the general tendency for misuse.
FLUM products contain nicotine, which can pose health risks and lead to addiction. Additionally, nicotine vapes may contain vitamin E acetate, diacetyl, and other harmful chemicals.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
Elf Bar has faced regulatory compliance and legal issues due to its unauthorized sale in the United States. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to 189 retailers in 2023 for selling unauthorized tobacco products, including Elf Bar. In addition to the FDA's actions, Elf Bar has faced legal challenges and has been involved in trademark disputes. The company has been forced to drop the Elf Bar name after losing a trademark case to a smaller company.
FLUM hasn’t yet received FDA approval to sell their disposable vapes in the USA. It’s likely due to stringent regulatory requirements and the comprehensive review process that the FDA mandates for all tobacco and vape products.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content Potential
Elf Bars contain varying levels of nicotine, ranging from sub-mild 20mg (2%) all the way up to an astounding 50mg (5%) nicotine. For reference, in the UK, Elf Bars are limited to a maximum nicotine concentration of 20mg/ml (2%) to comply with regulations.
FLUM vapes offer varying nicotine strengths and pod capacities, with most models featuring a 5% nicotine concentration. Only the FLUM Float devices provide a 0% nicotine option. The pod capacities of FLUM disposables range from 6.1ml in the Float and Gio series to 15ml in the Mello series, ensuring prolonged use and consistent delivery.
9. Compatibility with Other Products
Elf Bar’s proprietary design limits its cross-compatibility, but its popularity has spurred a market of counterfeit pods and accessories, though these can be hit or miss in terms of quality.
FLUM vapes are designed as disposables, making them incompatible with third-party e-liquids and accessories. While this gives you a hassle-free experience, it limits customization options if you prefer to mix and match components.
10. Availability and Accessibility
Having found a way to work around the US vape import ban, Elf Bars are widely available in various locations and through multiple channels. They can be found at brick-and-mortar vape shops, convenience stores, petrol stations, and online retailers.
A number of third-party websites allow you to order FLUM products online. However, the availability and shipping of these products can be impacted by location-specific regulations and restrictions.
11. Cost vs. Quality
Elf Bars are considered to be a budget-friendly option for disposable vapes, with prices ranging from $5 to $20 depending on the vendor, location, and any promotions or discounts. However, it's important to note that the cost of vaping products should not be the only factor considered when choosing a product.
The FLUM Float and Gio devices, priced at $13.99 and $11.99 respectively, provide a good entry-level experience with 5% nicotine and a 6.1ml pod capacity. The Pebble and Pebble X devices, at $14.99 and $15.99, offer 10ml pods and up to 6000 puffs, justifying the slightly higher cost. The Mello device, priced at $15.99, stands out with its 15ml pod. It also has advanced features like an HD display and hybrid mesh coils, offering superior quality for its price.
Pros and Cons of Elf Bar and FLUM
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
Pros of Elf Bar |
Cons of Elf Bar |
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Pros of FLUM |
Cons of FLUM |
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In short, both Elf Bar and FLUM stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
Elf Bar finds itself navigating through some regulatory hurdles, unlike FLUM.
Now, if you’re on the lookout for a nicotine-free alternative without compromising on the vaping experience, we’ll tell you what’s best.
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- Exotic flavor blends
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