IQ VIVA – Excellent Gateway into vaping

The IQ Viva is the second iVapeIQ product I have had in for testing. I recently reviewed the IQ One which was rather impressive, so, although the IQ VIVA is aiming at a slightly different market, it will be interesting to see if the same standards are met.

What Can We Expect From The IQ VIVA?

With the size of this device and the way it vapes, I would certainly put this in the starter kit category of vaping. It is very small with a decent sized battery, ultra-portable, stealthy and not a pod mod vape. It featires an 1100mAh battery and is capable of firing at three power levels.
I received the iQ VIVA in black, which, as far as I can see is the only colour they do.

The device was sent to me for review by Ivapeiq. As always, I will give you my own, honest opinion of this product after a lengthy testing period.

In The Box

• iQ VIVA Device
• 1 x VIVA Tank
• 2 x Coils 0.8ohm
• USB Cable
• User Manual/Warning Cards
• Warranty Card

Features

• Product Size: 75.1 x 26.5 x 17mm
• Voltage: 3.3V ~2V
• Battery: 1100mAh
• Charging: DC 5V
• LED Light: Battery level indicator
• Power level LED’s: L/M/H
• Tank Capacity: 1.3ml
• Coils: 0.8ohm

Design and Build Quality

The IQ VIVA is small but also very well built. Although the tank stands quite tall atop the Mod itself, it is still a stealth system. It’s kind of akin to a small pen vape mod.

In the mod itself sits an 1100mAh internet battery encased in an alloy type material with a shiny plastic sat on the top and base that’s screwed into place

This little thing has been thrown around quite a lot and there’s barely a scratch on it so although it is rather petite, it certainly isn’t flimsy.

The tank that comes with the kit is a rather tall fellow, but it’s also slim so sits nicely on top.

Power Settings

Underneath the device’s fire button, you have a small panel indicating L/M/H, this indicates the power settings. I have tried to find the power settings in the paperwork and via the VapeIQ website but to no avail.

Apart from them meaning Low/Medium/high I couldn’t tell you the wattage difference between the settings.

Functions

With this device there are a few button functions but nothing confusing or difficult:

• Five clicks to turn on/off
• Three quick clicks in succession to change the power setting

There is also a power level LED, situated just under the L/M/H, this has 3 light setting to indicate the battery level.

• Purple: >70% charge
• Blue: 30 – 70% charge
• Red: < 30%

One thing I will point out with the design of this device. There is an internal 1100mAh battery as previously mentioned, BUT there is no battery venting at all on this device.

How Does The IQ VIVA Perform?

The IQ VIVA isn’t a bad kit at all for a new vaper and certainly an alternative to the multitude of Pod Systems out there.

Now, I wouldn’t expect the VIVA to be a top notch performer, giving excellent flavour and blowing those big clouds.

It doesn’t do that, but what it does do, is give you a great platform to build on and bridge between quitting cigarettes and beginning your journey towards being a full time vaper.

Yes, the flavour isn’t top notch, but I would gauge it just above average and for a new vaper that’s just the ticket.

The three levels of power from the device are gauged about right in my opinion.

Low Power Setting

I have used the lowest setting to mouth to lung (MTL) vape, closing the airflow intake down to a minimum.

Medium Power Setting

The medium setting is the next step up to a restricted direct to lung (DTL) vape but reigning in the power just enough to get used to it and upping the airflow intake from the tank one notch again.

Read More About the difference between MTL and DTL vaping here

High Power Setting

Lastly, release the brake, pile on the power, open the air flow up to maximum and then you are nearly there.

You still get a restricted DTL vape, but you are almost there to becoming a full time vaper and looking in your rear view mirror at those cigarettes as you look for something more fulfilling.

Charging the iQ VIVA

You simply plug in the USB cable in the provided port on the side of the device.

How to Fill the Tank and Change the Coil

Firstly, you will need to remove the tank from the main Mod, simply unscrew it away from the body then you are left with just the tank in your hand.

First, you will need to know how to change the coil. This may look a little complicated but it’s simple once you get the hang of it. I’d suggest practicing before you put any e-liquid in the tank.

Steps to Change the Coil

• Just above the air adjustment, you will see a serial code, unscrew this from the main section and you will see the coil screwed into the bottom section.
• Simply unscrew it, throw it away and replace it with a new coil.
• Screw the bottom section back on to the tank section then all you need to do is fill with e-liquid.
• Screw the tank back on the battery

Filling With Vape Juice

Once it’s back on your device, the following steps will have you vaping in no time.

• Press down slightly on the top cap (there is a child safety mechanism, just like medication containers). As you are pressing down, unscrew the top cap.
• There you will be met by two fill ports. This is where you put your e-liquid.

Flavour and Vapour

I have mentioned previously that you wont get top notch flavour, that is true, however, you will get good flavour for a starter kit, certainly on par, if not better than most pod systems.

Now, vapour. You wont be blowing those massive clouds no matter what setting you have the device set at.

If you are starting out on the lowest setting and the smallest air hole, you wont be blowing big clouds, in fact you won’t be blowing much at all. Ramp up the power to high, open the air flow control to maximum and you will be blowing some half decent vapour.

This type of device isn’t made for clouds though so this could be looked on as a good thing.

0.8Ohm Coil

When I first tested this device, I vaped with a 70VG – 30PG ratio e-liquid. The coil coped with this type of e-liquid very well. The one downfall with using this type of freebase e-juice is that the coil only lasted 8 days.

Once the first coil was changed, I used Nic Salts with a 50VG – 50PG ratio at 20mg. Coming up to the end of the second week, I feel I would have needed to change the coil again.

Battery Life

The battery life on the IQ VIVA is very good depending on how you are using the device.

With the setting on low, vaping MTL, it lasted easily a full day. Ramp up the power to maximum and vaping DTL, I managed five hours vaping.

Pros

• Small device
• Excellent for beginners
• Adjustable Airflow
• Battery longevity
• Portable
• Great for beginners
• Price point
• MTL and Restricted DTL

Cons

• No battery venting
• Questionable coil life (dependent on e-liquid you use)

Final Review Verdict

The IQ VIVA is firmly aimed at the novice vaper, or someone who wants to make a move away from the cigarettes to vaping.

It’s an ideal platform to start your vaping journey, small, easy to use and a low price point make it the perfect gateway vape.