Time to get me chops around some SKE Crystal Nic Salts e-liquid!
The name might sound familiar as these are made by the company who make the popular SKE Crystal Bar disposable vapes!
If you find disposable vapes expensive or are worried about the environmental impact, should you try the e-liquid versions of the same flavours?
If combined with a quality refillable vape will they give you the same experience as your fave disposable?
Well I am here to try and answer that question! But first a bit more about SKE!
The name stands for “Speed Skier Extreme” which is the inspiration for the brand and they say…
“the e-cigarette brand SKE, was born in a sea of ice and snow, like a pathfinder full of adventurous spirit and pioneering character”
We have reviewed some of their products before – our Neil got his hands on the above mentioned Crystal Bar and SKE Amare Crystal One disposable vapes plus the Crystal Plus rechargeable disposable.
The SKE Crystal Nic Salts are based on the most popular Crystal Bar flavours, SKE say this…
“We understand that it can be daunting to move on from disposables because of their optimised convenience, especially if our fans have only ever used these sorts of disposable kits. Each flavour has been carefully distilled to deliver the absolute pin-point double of our premium mixes so that every customer can make the next step in their vaping journey without getting tripped up by complex details and technical jargon.”
Unfortunately I haven’t tried any of their disposable ranges so I cannot judge how close they come to the original flavour, but I will be checking in with those reviews to see if the descriptions match mine.
What Can We Expect From The SKE Crystal Nic Salts E-liquid Range?
Well the range has a total of 10 flavours to choose from and they come in TPD Compliant 10ml bottles with 20mg Nicotine Salt strengths. The lid is childproof and tamperproof to help keep things safe. Also remember to recycle your empty bottles!
I received all 10 flavours in 10mg strength:
- Blue Fusion
- Blue Razz Lemonade
- Blueberry Raspberries
- Blueberry Sour Raspberry
- Cherry Ice
- Kiwi Passionfruit Guava
- Lemon and Lime
- Pink Lemonade
- Strawberry Burst
- Watermelon Ice
The e-liquid mix ratio is 50%PG / 50%VG which is more suitable for low power kits. This mix is too thin for higher power kits and may cause leaks and spitting.
I will be using my OXVA Xlim V2 kit for these with a new 0.8ohm pod for each flavour. The Xlim range (plus the Uwell Caliburn range) are some of the best refillable kits you can buy – so I am starting with a quality device to get the best flavour I can!
Thank you to Vape Club for sending these over for me to review – I will report back honestly on my findings and opinions of the products in my possession!
As always e-liquid reviewing is very subjective. It can vary due to the individual palate of the reviewer, plus different equipment can also alter the flavour perception.
So please just use my findings as a guide. I will try to assess how well these flavours meet their descriptions and will mark them out of 10 at the end of the review.
Packaging
These come in a box and inside you will find a single 10ml bottle with a small instruction / warning card.
On the box you get the VG/PG ratio, Nic salt strength, applicable warnings, company contact details and an expiry date with batch number. These details reassure me that the product is made by a company with legitimate quality control.
The box printing is a bit blurred in places and the print is flipping tiny! But I am pleased to see the “Made in the UK” printed on the side!
The bottles look great with clear lids and a corresponding coloured inner cap, I like this detail and it makes the bottles look a bit more futuristic.
A great design point is the fact the bottle has a very long neck and thin nozzle, this should make access for filling the majority of devices easy peasy! Some kits can be awkward to fill – especially with a slide top cap and the long thin bottle neck would make life so much easier – so full Kudos to SKE for that.
Printed on the bottle label are all the warnings, ingredients, batch number, expiry date, nicotine strength and contact details. But this is tiny writing again.
I suppose by law there is that much information which must be provided by the manufacturer it actually becomes difficult to read! Which I can’t really blame SKE for.
Anyway I bet you are all bursting to know how they taste!
It is worth noting, these flavours are designed to replicate the sensation of a disposable vape. They are likely to be sweet and not exact fresh fruit replicas.
Blue Fusion
SKE Says:
“This Blue Fusion mix is an amalgam of sweetly sharp berries. On the inhale, you’ll get to savour the rich taste of juicy Blackberries with sweet Blueberries and on the exhale, you’ll get the pleasant taste of refreshing Raspberry. It’s a sapphire selection of delectably Berrilicious fruits that’s perfect for all-day vaping.”
I Say…
Absolutely delicious, right up my street!
The Blueberry and Blackberries seem to take centre stage and I am enjoying every second of their performance.
The Raspberry sort of creeps up on you and takes the flavour into a sweeter lighter direction to save it becoming too dark and heavy.
Fantastic blending skill on show here, the different levels keep revealing themselves inbetween inhale, sitting in your mouth and exhale.
Such a masterclass in e-liquid creation – it deserves 20/10 but I can only go up to 10!
In fact over the last few hours I forgot I was just testing this and refilled my pod as it is super dooper!
Blue Razz Lemonade
SKE Says:
“This Blue Razz Memonade nic salt is a bubbly mix of two of the most popular flavours in the vaping industry. The combination of luscious Blue Raspberry and lightly zingy Lemonade makes this a fruity, tangy twist on this staple vape! It’s a classic flavour profile that’s ideal for your permanent rotation.”
I Say…
This is one of those flavours which when presented on a shelf would magnetically draw me to it!
Oh man it doesn’t disappoint!
The Blue Raspberry comes at you big style on the inhale and then when the Lemonade kicks in everything mellows out.
Another example of where the blending makes sure the flavour does not head into too sweet or too sour territory. Both aspects are perfectly balanced to make sure those with a sweet tooth and those who like a tang are catered for.
Absolutely delicious – highly recommend!
Blueberry Raspberries
SKE Says:
“This Blueberry Raspberry mix from SKE nic salt is a duo of two of the tangiest, juiciest fruitiest berry flavours you can find. It’s a combination flavour of luscious Blueberry and richly robust Raspberries, both of which come together for an insanely fruity flavour that creates some seriously fragrant vapour.”
I Say…
Although most of this range are super sweet and almost syrupy, this is less so.
You get tangy berries on the inhale but as you exhale it starts to evolve into something sweeter.
It is such a strange sensation how the taste just does a complete 180° turn!
Because of the clever way this flavour is structured, it should appeal to those who love a sweet vape but also those who like a bit of tang.
The strength of flavour here is epic, without being too concentrated like undiluted squash / cordial.
Although I tend to veer towards the sweeter vapes, the sheer mastery shown in this flavour makes me love it more. It feels like a surprise every time you vape and it makes me want to giggle.
Perfection – 10/10 from me!
Blueberry Sour Raspberry
SKE Says:
“This Blueberry Sour Raspberry mix from SKE nic salt is a tongue-twisting mix of lip-smacking fruity flavours. It’s a brilliantly balanced blend of juicy Blueberry and tangy Raspberry, which come together for a fantastically fruity flavour.”
I Say…
This is a combo of fruits which will always attract me so I have high hopes!
There are Blueberries and Raspberries and a welcome fizz – almost like Sherbet.
This is a heavier and darker flavour than the rest of the range and it is very strong.
I can’t quite get my head around this one, as sometimes it tastes sweet and fruity and other times it can be a bit sour and “Red Wine” like.
So when I get the sweet fruity flavour I want to instantly give it 10/10 as I love it. Then when the sour flavour becomes dominant I remember it is meant to be a sour profile and get even more confused.
As you can probably tell I am really torn on this one and how to score it.
Back to basics, I can definitely taste Blueberry and Raspberry and I sometimes get a sour edge to it. But the fact that sweetness sometimes does pop up makes me reluctant to give it full marks I am afraid.
If you want sweet and sour in your tank / pod – then I would suggest this is the bottle for you!
Cherry Ice
SKE Says:
“This Cherry Ice nic salt from globally known brand SKE is a Cherry special flavour if you’re looking for your next all-day vape. On the inhale, you’ll get to savour the richly sweet taste of juicy, glazed Cherry and on the exhale, you get the compliment of the frosty ice on the finish. It’s the absolute Cherry on top for those looking for an amazingly fruity flavour.”
I Say…
Ooh goody I love Cherry in a vape!
Gorgeous, just gorgeous!
This is not a harsh or tangy strong Cherry flavour, it is so mellow and smooth. None of the sour sugar you often get on the outside of Cherry Sweets / Candy.
I am struggling to compare it to anything I have tasted as it is not fiercely sweet or sour which are the usual profiles that e-liquid with a Cherry label will follow.
The balance here is so restrained, it could have easily become sickly sweet or painfully tart but it doesn’t. It stays in a happy little land that lives between the two extremes.
That is not to say it is low on flavour, because it isn’t, it is just not harsh or overpowering whilst still making your mouth water and your mind drift back to bags of sweeties for 10p.
I am missing any hint of cooling though, which I think would be the “Cherry” on top of this beautifully crafted offering. So it just falls short of full marks.
But I am loving it nonetheless and it is a perfect all day vape you will not get tired of!
Kiwi Passionfruit Guava
SKE Says:
“This Kiwi Passionfruit Guava mix from SKE is a totally tropical whirlwind of exotic fruits! Pleasant Passionfruit collides here with rich Kiwi and sweetly fresh Guava for a fruity, continental flavour that’s perfect for those looking for a refreshing Cocktail that’s perfect for all-day vaping.”
I Say…
Kind of dreading this, it is not one of my favourite e-liquid flavour combos! Do people actually request this flavour?
Let’s see if SKE can polish this turd of fruits.
Wow – surprisingly good! Am extremely impressed!
I think this pleases me as it again is very sweet and quite syrupy, of which I have no complaints at all.
Plus the added bonus is that the usual soap like Kiwi has been subdued to a pleasurable level.
You can taste all 3 fruits but the beautiful cloak of sugary loveliness just makes them all sparkle in a way I have never experienced before.
Am over the moon with this, but it may upset purists who prefer a more fresh, tangy and fruity vibe. Those guys will probably dislike this a lot.
Lemon & Lime
SKE Says:
“This Lemon & Lime nic salt is a tangy twist of two of the most exotically refreshing fruits out there! Lightly sour Lemon mixes with some juicy Lime for a totally tropical combination of continental fruits! It’s a blend for those looking for a sweet-tart treat that’s perfect in the heat.”
I Say…
This is gorgeous, but I warn you very sweet!
There is a syrupy quality where the Lemon is more like Lemonade and the Lime kicks in on the exhale to rein in the sweetness a bit.
I would say this flavour would be improved by a splash of cooling – not very often we say this with disposable flavours, as they tend to be overwhelmingly cold!
The addition of some ice would make this sparkle a bit more.
As it stands I love it, but again I am Mrs Sweet Tooth, it is not for those craving a face puckering tang.
Pink Lemonade
SKE Says:
“This Pink Lemonade nic salt is a lusciously juicy mix of bubbly Pink Lemonade. It’s a refreshing flavour that’s fruity, fizzy, and absolutely bursting full of flavour! Absolutely amazing taste that’s sure to become a new all-day vape sensation.”
I Say…
Wow now we get the cooling, it is really prominent here!
I am a bit disappointed as the “Pink” part of the description is yukky Watermelon. That makes me sad as often it is Strawberry, Raspberry or even Cranberry adding the pink-ness.
Yep so I don’t like Watermelon and unlike the Watermelon Ice flavour further on in this review, this time it is not as sweet and much more akin to the fresh flavour of the actual fruit.
The Lemon does kick in and bizarrely is what sweetens this up a tad – just like Lemonade, it actually saves the day for me!
So if you were expecting a sweet vibrant Red fruit in here, aww I am sorry to break it to you – but that is not the case.
But if you want a cool refreshing Watermelon Lemonade blast, this is right up your street. In fact I would suggest a name change to “Watermelon Lemonade” as I felt a bit misled.
I am gutted…
Strawberry Burst
SKE Says:
“This flavour profile is absolutely bursting with a classically sweet-tasting Strawberry flavour. The taste of juicy, organic Strawberries is present throughout and produces an absolutely amazingly pleasant-smelling vapour.”
I Say…
This is the vaping equivalent of delicious Strawberry Laces!
Yummy!
The flavour is strong and well concentrated but it is more of a Candy / Sweetie style profile than a fresh Strawberry taste.
However it never becomes too sweet and balances itself out really well.
I have had to drop a mark as the description does specify “juicy, organic strawberries” – which is not 100% the case.
If you enjoy a Strawberry disposable vape, this is one of the better renditions you could find. It may also fend off any cravings you have for Strawberry Laces as you are left with the sensation of just having eaten some – amazing!
Watermelon Ice
SKE Says:
“This Watermelon Ice nic salt is a sweet-tasting flavour that’s ideal for anyone looking for a juicy-tasting vape. On the inhale, you’ll get to savour the pleasantly lush taste of Watermelon and on the exhale, you’ll get the sharp finish of frosty menthol. It’s a one-in-a-melon flavour you absolutely won’t want to miss!”
I Say…
Yeah – not a fan of Watermelon vapes at all.
Fingers crossed this will be a goodun!
As expected I don’t like it – sorry – but I am here to report how close this is to the description!
Thankfully this is slightly sweeter than a lot of Watermelon flavours, despite that you do also get the fresh taste of the fruit too.
Expert blending here prevents it becoming sickly sweet or too sour!
I don’t get any menthol and there is only a slight cooling effect, so will be dropping a couple of marks for that especially as it does have “Ice” in the name.
But when it comes to a flavourful Watermelon disposable style flavour it is spot on!
SKE Crystal Nic Salts E-liquid Final Review Verdict
When comparing my opinions with those of my colleague Neil C in his reviews of the Crystal Bar disposable vape versions of these flavours, I find they are pretty similar.
One big difference between the e-liquid and disposable versions seems to be the amount of cooling involved. Neil found the disposable vapes were sometimes over powering with the Koolada. Whereas I feel a few of these flavours would benefit from a boost of cooling as it is not very apparent.
I will say though it might be down to my choice of device. The OXVA Xlim 0.8ohm pods run at 16W so it is a warmer vape than the 11W output of the SKE Crystal Bars with a 1.2ohm coil. Perhaps that is why any cooling is not so noticeable for me?
The SKE Crystal Nic Salts e-liquid in my OXVA Xlim are giving me the delicious flavour concentration you would get with a reputable disposable vape.
I would suggest any disposable vape fan grabs their favourite flavours in these e-liquids, invests in an OXVA Xlim kit and save money and waste whilst enjoying the disposable vape experience you love.
