Innokin Innobar C1 Pod Kit Review – Something In The Water

Today I’m taking a look at the Innokin Innobar C1 pod kit, a potential alternative to disposable vapes.

If you’re a regular viewer of the site you may recall that we’ve looked at a few Innokin water based disposable vapes. Take the likes of the LOTA F600 or LOTA ENVIRO for example.

They both feature Aquios Labs water based technology. 30% of the E-liquid is comprised of distilled water. The idea is to provide a cleaner vaping experience, smoother vape and faster flavour satisfaction.

It reduces the dehydration commonly associated with standard VG/PG based E-liquid and reduces excessive sweetness usually found in disposable vapes.

At the time of writing, Aquios Labs state that they are working on ways to increase the percentage of water content. Time will tell but we’ll be among the first to report back to you..

Check out our Aquios Bar disposable vape review for the full low down on this water based technology.

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What Can We Expect From the Innokin Innobar C1 Pod Kit?

This is a closed pod system. Expect a separate battery section and pre-filled, sealed cartridges or pods.

It’s something we’ve seen before. The incredibly popular ElfBar ELFA pod kit used the same idea. So does the Zovoo C1 kit.

..There must be something about the use of C and 1 in the titles that gains them instant recognition. Answers on a post card lol.

The sealed pods come in packs of two. I think I’m right in assuming the kit comes with a single Cherry Lemonade flavour pod with the retail version.

The beauty of kits like this is that by replacing pods, the price is reduced and so is the impact on our environment. I also like the fact that flavours can be switched mid vape session.

Because it relies entirely on auto draw there’s also the ease of use factor. A new or transitioning vaper will appreciate that.

The pods use a 1.1ohm Nichrome mesh coil designed to evenly distribute heat and ensure a constant, reliable vape every time.

On the subject of all things constant, the battery throws out a steady 3.6V at all stages of drain. Again this should ensure a reliable and flavoursome vape right up to the point of recharge.

The device is said to last for anything up to 600 puffs. As usual, that’s something I’ll be scrutinising with this review.

It is worth noting there is no USB Cable included in the kit so you will need your own Type C.

So there are 10 flavour pods on offer with the Innokin Innobar C1. Each one contains a TPD compliant 20mg of salt nicotine.

We’ve also got a few flavours that are a bit different from the run of the mill. I’ll be checking those out too.

Innokin Innobar C1 – Design and Build Quality

Battery Section

Looking at the battery section first and it’s powered by a 450mAh integrated battery. It’s comprised entirely of a toughened plastic and with a diameter of under 20mm feels very lightweight and comfortable in the hand.

At the top there’s a cut away ensuring that the pods fit only one way. It’s not a magnetised connection nor is it a snap fit connection. The pods simply need to be pushed into place.

Peering down the top we can see the coil contacts and MTL air ingress holes.

The Type C USB charging port is fitted into the base of the battery section. The device arrives fully charged so you can fill your vaping boots from the get go..

The Innokin Innobar C1 comes in four colour schemes. Purple (under review), Blue, Green and Yellow. It may look White in the images but Innokin have employed some clever light refractions to bring out the colour when viewed at various angles.

Pretty cool if you ask me..

Sealed Pods

The pods have a height of 41mm and a diameter of around 18mm.

Each one is flavour colour coded on the top half. There’s some nice contouring on and around the mouthpiece opening which is clearly designed for a MTL vape.

As well as a silicone stopper pushed into the mouthpiece there’s also a sleeve around the bottom half. Would it be silly for me to suggest removing that before attempting to push the pod into the battery?

I should start paying attention to my own advice!

Innokin Innobar C1 – Specifications

• Dimensions: 95 x 19.7mm (with pod connected)
• Battery capacity: 450mAh
• Output: Constant 3.6V
• Charging: Type C USB
• Pod capacity: 2ml
• E-liquid strength: Aquios based 20mg salt nicotine
• Coil: 1.1ohm Nichrome mesh
• Puffs: Up to 600

Iced Cosmic

Innokin Says:

Iced Cosmic is inspired by the popular taste of an instantly recognisable energy drink that’s layered with frosty menthol, creating a sweet and fresh-tasting vape.

I Say:

Without referring to the flavour description I could easily be lead into believing this is a straight shot at a strong Menthol vape.

It’s got all the distinct characteristics of a well known and much loved energy drink. Yes, there’s plenty of icy cold content which builds on the inhale and this adds to the overall refreshing appeal of the vape.

It will continue throughout exhale and attach itself to the palate post vape but is never too obtrusive.

In fact the ratio of Coolada to flavour is pretty good with Iced Cosmic. In terms of flavour the vape has a candy, chalky like quality and the beverage flavour qualities are both sweet and sour at the same time.

The flavour blending is nicely achieved. There’s nothing sickly sweet about it.

Good job!

Jungle Juice

Innokin Says:

Jungle Juice combines together a mixture of flavours to create a fruity vape. Notes of Pineapples and Apples are fused with the juicy taste of Strawberries and Cherries.

I Say:

Having read the flavour description it’s a big ask to expect such complexity from a humble pod kit? Have Innokin pulled something out of the vape hat?

It all begins with a sweetness that’s pulled up during the inhale. Yes, it is quite pronounced but that’s for good reason.

Such amplification is caused by a mixture or blending of fruits. Apple and Strawberry are the ones that stick out the most but neither are natural tasting. I think we have to expect this from disposables. It’s the usual sweet, candy versions commonly associated.

Pineapple does make an appearance and mixes continuously throughout, albeit on a more subtle plain. I can’t say I noticed much in the way of Cherry. But to pick up three out of four of the ingredients is still good going.

Some effective flavour blending, then. Jungle Juice also gains points for being an original and unique taste experience.

Lemon Tart

Innokin Says:

Lemon Tart is a complex dessert blend. Notes of rich-tasting pastry are paired with zingy notes of Lemons, creating a decadent vape.

I Say:

This is the type of vape that’s usually reserved for more powerful set ups that can generate the necessary heat to emulate a freshly baked tart. So how does Lemon tart fare in a humble pod kit?

The answer is it doesn’t if I’m totally honest. On the one hand the Lemon is quite well presented. It’s juicy and clean enough while remaining subtle on the exhale.

However the vape is quite sweet. I usually associate a sour and bitter accompany to Lemon and it’s sorely lacking here.

Also – what’s the point of including tart if Coolada is included? This is a typical example of just shoving it in for the sake of it. Why would anyone combine an icy cold blast with a biscuit base?

I guess some folks may like their Lemon Tart fresh from the fridge. That’s fair enough but don’t expect any richness or texture from the exhale.

Lemon Tart doesn’t work for me, unfortunately.

Rose Lychee

Innokin Says:

Rose Lychee is a unique floral vape, with a tropical twist. Sweet notes of exotic Lychees are paired with subtle notes of rose petals.

I Say:

You know how flavour is subjective? I’m probably about to prove that with Rose Lychee.

Lychee in any form always reminds me of Turkish Delight. Not the chocolate covered variety – the sugar powdered chunks found in large tins. Except in this case there’s much less in terms of sweetener.

Rose Lychee exudes a fragrant aroma and has floral properties by the vape load. So instead of being driven by a sweetness it’s the icy cold edge that prevails throughout.

It’s another one of those vapes where it chills the throat, then the inner lining of the mouth and finally lingering long after that final exhale.

It does actually complement the Lychee in this case. Rose Lychee has a very distinct flavour and one I personally enjoy. It’s a no nonsense vape.

There’s nothing wrong with that!

Sour Berries

Innokin Says:

Sour Berries fuses a medley of mixed berries with a sharp tangy candy note, delivering a vape that is sweet and zingy.

I Say:

I can definitely pick out Raspberry with the smell from the mouthpiece. This vape is mega sweet and uncharacteristic of the range. Perhaps a little too sweet for my own personal liking.

But it’s still packed with flavour – just not to the complexity I was hoping for. Yes, Raspberry is the main player with Sour Berries and it is a synthetic, candy like taste but backed up by what can be best described as a creaminess.

This makes for one of the smoothest exhales out of the bunch. A few Blackcurrant undertones are interlaced with the Raspberry but I’m never left feeling like it’s a blending of dark fruits. The vape is very simplistic, very straight forward and offers no surprises for a low power kit.

Again we get the omnipresent Coolada. This time it rates 8/10 on the ‘sting-ometer’. It hits the back of the throat quite hard, hanging around post vape.

A force of it’s own and much like the sweetener, a tad overboard.

Tangerine

Innokin Says:

Tangerine is a sweet citrusy vape. The juicy notes of this Mediterranean fruit create a summery flavour.

I Say:

Mmm. This isn’t quite what I was expecting in terms of flavour but I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised by the powder like qualities of Tangerine.

It’s another ‘vending machine style’ vape experience and really no different from any run of the mill powdered version of the fruit. I also find it hard to differentiate between Orange and Tangerine. The extra sweetness does suggest the latter but any tart like properties are extremely thin on the ground.

A modicum of citrus pulls through during exhale but is generally lost to the sweeter elements of the vape. It’s a shame really because instead of a fresh, juicy Tangerine we get a watered down powdered drinks version instead.

..By the way. That has nothing to do with the distilled water content!

I guess a degree of freshness is retained by the Coolada but the synthetic, artificial taste of the vape cannot be overlooked, unfortunately.

Blueberry Grape

Innokin Says:

Blueberry Grape combines the distinct tart flavour of Blueberries with crisp notes of Grapes in this berry-inspired vape.

I Say:

This one doesn’t translate quite so well for me. The Coolada does its usual job of chilling the throat on the inhale but also rates an 8/10 on the ‘sting-o-meter’. It attaches itself to the palate and overstays its welcome.

Blueberry Grape carries a softer candy sweet texture and much less chalky than I was expecting.

That’s a plus but it does still come at the sacrifice to overall flavour quality.

The combination of Blueberry and Grape creates more of a fragrant aroma on the palate. It’s more prominent than the fruits themselves. The sweet Blueberry is stronger tasting than the Grape which at least, and thankfully, isn’t acrid or artificial tasting.

The AQ30 tech does wonders at keeping the level of sweetness at an acceptable level.

It’s a clean enough tasting vape but just seems to be lacking a bit of oomph.

Pink lemonade

Innokin Says:

Pink Lemonade muddles together the sweet taste of mixed berries with a zesty lemonade note for a citrusy flavour.

I Say:

The inhale isn’t the cold, chilly type I’ve come to know and expect. With pink Lemonade the sweetness is reserved for the end of the exhale and tantalises the lips post vape.

The flavour tends to be more subtle throughout the vape. Blending is ok but not as strong as others in the range. It’s the freshness of the Lemonade that steals this particular vape show.

It’s refreshing and quite natural tasting. There’s nothing chemical or artificial which is always a plus.

Other notes are more tropically influenced. I didn’t pick out much in the way of mixed dark berries. There seemed to be undertones of Pineapple and Mango. I guess that’s how my taste buds roll!

It’s a shame Pink Lemonade is so subtle and flavour nuanced. It doesn’t quite come across as the refreshing Summer beverage it deserves to be.

Cherry Lemonade

Innokin Says:

Cherry Lemonade is a juicy and tangy vape. The sweet and zingy flavours of Cherries are layered with notes of fresh-tasting lemonade.

I Say:

There’s a subtle blending between the Cherry and the Lemonade. The inhale acts as the catalyst for the sweeter elements of the vape. It’s very noticeable during build up and before exhale.

I personally think the Cherry is more dominant. It’s not far off exuding a natural taste either. However, much of the Lemon gets washed away by the sweetness and doesn’t respond as well as Pink Lemonade as a flavour profile.

Coolada soothes and freshens the vape but again, rates an 8/10 on my ‘sting-o-meter’.

It mixes well during exhale but sticks around long after the vape has finished.

So Cherry Lemonade isn’t a sickly, artificial taste experience. I think much of that has to do with the refined qualities of the AQ30 tech.

A worthy consideration for the hot Summer months.

Strawberry Watermelon

Innokin Says

Strawberry Watermelon is a classic flavour combination. The summery flavour of Strawberries is paired with a fresh-tasting Watermelon note – delivering a sweet fruit vape.

I Say:

Strawberry Watermelon represents the best flavour blending out of the range, in my opinion.

There’s a 50-50 split between the two Summer fruits. During exhale it was quite easy to pick out both. Rarely does a disposable vape offer such balancing. To add to that, it’s quite flavour intensive with every vape being as consistent as the last.

Admittedly both are rather artificial tasting but the clever fusion of the two prevents that usual chemical, unappealing exhale.

Instead it comes across as clean, vibrant and refreshing thanks to the inclusion of Coolada.

The Coolada works well at lifting the Watermelon and the sweetness brings out the Strawberry more effectively.

Put this one on your list to vape during the long, hot Summer months.

Battery Performance and Number of Puffs

After six hours of heavy vaping I thought I’d run out of juice but that wasn’t the case. The battery section needed recharging.

It took no longer than 60 minutes so fast type C charging works a treat.

While charging the Blue LED remains solidly lit and switches off when complete. It will flash 3 times when removing the battery from the cable.

After charging, the pod held out for another 2.5 hours before things started to taste funky.

Considering I’m quite a heavy MTL vaper I was impressed by the life span of the pod. I think 600 puffs is a very realistic figure. You may even get a few bonus vapes in.

Innokin Innobar C1 – Final Review Verdict

The MTL vape experience is bang on the money. The restriction makes for a very comfortable vape and extended inhales are possible if so desired. Vapour production appears to be improved over the LOTA and ENVIRO which is no bad thing in my opinion.

It still replicates the draw from a cigarette so don’t rule out a few ‘bus stop’ moments of stealth vaping.

As for the flavour. Remembering that it’s personal preference and experience I felt a few were too artificial tasting. Disposables (for better or worse) have been around long enough now for manufacturers to consider more thought with the concentrates they use.

However, I’m pleased to say that Innokin and Aquios Labs are quite right. The water based tech definitely helps to reduce the level of sweetness usually found in disposables. In fact, generally speaking the balance of sweetness to flavour was very good.

The Innobar pods mark a dramatic improvement over both LOTA disposables. None of the flavours tasted diluted. So I’m thinking the AQ30 tech may work better in sealed pods as opposed to one piece disposables.

Flavour is consistent throughout. Each vape delivers as good as the previous and it’s going to take 8-9 hours before the juice runs out. Get ready to recharge the device in between vaping each pod.

Although some of the flavours weren’t to my personal liking the Innokin Innobar C1 still delivers the goods.

‘The idea is to provide a cleaner vaping experience, smoother vape and faster flavour satisfaction’.

I totally agree. Job well done!

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