Today I’m taking a gander at the brand new Upends UpBar GT disposable vapes.
Upends sprang onto the vape scene back in 2019. Founded in Shenzhen over in China, they were formed from a team with over 10 years of experience in the industry. So with a vision to combine elegance and utility they were in a position to hit the ground running.
That style and elegance was reflected in the likes of the Upends Uppen. As the name suggests, it was a vape pen (quite literally) designed for the new, transitioning vaper.
It seemed almost inevitable Upends would jump on the disposable vape scene and they did so with the UpBar, UpBar Air and UpBar RS – all of which are TPD compliant.
Their core strengths lay in minimalist designs, ease of use, reliable quality and great value.
Let’s see if the UpBar GT lives up to those strengths.
What Can We Expect From the Upends UpBar GT Disposable Vapes?
The Upends UpBar GT takes it initials from the grand touring sports cars of the world. You only have to look at the sleek, slim design for proof of that. Both streamline and contoured it sits very comfortably in the hand.
Upends are referring to it as ‘The worlds first car concept disposable vape’.
Even the airflow structure has been named after one of the fastest cars in the world.
The Tesla valve, as it’s known, incorporates dual separate channels for better air exchange and E-liquid supply. Any chances of a dry hit are also significantly reduced.
This V shaped structure is said to accelerate (pun intended) vapour production, decrease condensate and improve flavour quality.
The 1.4ohm next gen coil galvanises Upends belief that mesh is the future, a philosophy first employed with the UpBar Air and RS.
As part of their FRESOR technology the mesh coils deliver a stronger more consistent flavour with every vape. That’s an improvement of 38% over comparable disposables.
Combined with an increased energy efficiency of 36%, 600 puffs should be a certainty.
The clear E-liquid viewing window follows the contours of the disposables ABS shell and includes multiple seals to lock down the flavour.
.. Lock – seatbelt – get it?
An alternative version is available in the form of the UpBar GTN. It’s made from recyclable material to lessen impact on the environment.
My question is. Why the need for a choice? Seems a bit odd in this day and age.
Upends are certainly ahead of the pack when it comes to the number of flavours on offer. There are 24 in the starting line up and these range from fruits, drinks, tobacco and mint. Menthol is included with many, helping to rev up the vaping experience.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 108 x 22.8 x 12.5mm
- Material: PC / ABS
- E-liquid capacity: 2ml
- E-liquid ratio: 50VG/50PG
- Nicotine strength: 20mg (2%) salt nicotine
- Coil: 1.4ohm mesh
- Battery capacity: 410mAh
- Number of puffs: Up to 600
- Activation: Auto draw
These TPD compliant disposables are brand new on the scene. Unfortunately the official website doesn’t contain flavour descriptions yet so I’m going in blindfolded.
Wish me luck.
Please do use my experiences as a mere guide as to what to expect. Some of you may love exaggerated levels of Menthol – I don’t. Some of you won’t like Custard vapes – I do.
You get the vape picture.
Ok. It’s time to see if the UpBar GT hits the chequered flag. Helmets on and jump in. No pit stops today, folks.
UpBar GT – Jungle Bird
I Say:
I Say:Jungle Bird carries an exotic mix of flavours. It comes across as a tropical drink profile.
Since I’ve no descriptions to go by my taste bud receptors can run riot. I’m probably sticking my neck out by saying this but there does seem to be a lacing of Rum (or vaping equivalent) included here.
There’s also a bitterness running through the centre and I’m inclined to suggest the presence of a fresh, juicy Orange.
Without a doubt, Coconut is included as it brings along a smooth creaminess to the exhale.
Pineapple? yeah – there seem to be a few subtle back notes thrown in.
I’m very impressed by the flavour blending in Jungle Bird. It’s not intense and has a very appealing level of sweetness.
Even the Menthol is proportionate to the rest of the content. Wow!
UpBar GT – Lemon Mojito
I Say:
I Say:Incredible. That Lemon is sharp, bitter, tangy and juicy all at the same time!
Rarely has there been such a fresh, clean taste from a disposable in my opinion. It truly is quite incredible.
And that taste! It’s so well crafted.
The sweetness of the vape increases at a consistent pace during inhale and remains on the palate long after. Not in an intense way either. The after taste of the fruit lingers alongside.
On this occasion I don’t actually taste any Rum and any mint is quite low level in terms of output. It is in there but very subtle against the dominating Lemon.
My only bug bare is the intensity of the Menthol – I guess that’s due to the drinks handle the profile adopts. It’s a little on the throat cutting side for my liking.
But that flavour! Absolutely bang on.
UpBar GT – Lemon Peach Passion Fruit
I Say:
I Say:I can pick up the aroma of Mango from the mouthpiece. At least that’s what it smells like. So how does that translate to the vape itself?
Yes Mango does seem to be included, seemingly taking the place of Lemon on this occasion. But I’m quite amazed how Upend have managed to combine it so cleverly with Peach. This makes for a refreshing, mouth watering experience.
It feels like the sweetness of the vape is attached to that peach. Thankfully it doesn’t outstay its welcome either.
There seems to be a subtle hint of Grapefruit permeating through the exhale but complements the other fruits. Nothing is clashing with Lemon Peach Passionfruit and it’s very much akin to a popular tropical fruit drink.
The Menthol is well balanced too, creating a soothing chill on the inhale.
UpBar GT – Lime Soda
I Say:
I Say:Not quite what I was expecting and to be honest I feel underwhelmed by the overall flavour experience.
I was hoping for a much livelier and zingy Lime than this. It just doesn’t pop enough to be effective.
The entire exhale feels much drier than it should. There’s a clear lack of tart or the acidity this fruit usually possesses. What I’m trying to say is there isn’t enough clout.
So the flavour comes across as muted and no amount of Menthol can save the day.
I get the feeling Upend were trying to target that soda experience as much as the Lime itself. It doesn’t quite translate that way on this occasion, though.
Having said all that if you prefer more subtlety to your Lime you may well appreciate what’s on offer here.
It’s just that I was expecting more flavour intensity since it’s from a disposable.
UpBar GT – Strawberry Smoothie
I Say:
I Say:Ah yes! The Banana content makes up the smoothie part of this one. It gives the vape a depth and richness clearly evident from the moment of exhale.
The creamy texture extends to the Strawberry which, if I’m honest does taste a little off. Maybe a bit too sour but that is of course just my own opinion.
And the Menthol cuts in quite early too so those two aspects have a tendency to clash instead of working together.
Our yellow bendy fruit is also artificial in taste and heavily inspired by the soft, foam sweet version.
As a whole, Strawberry Smoothie doesn’t quite work for me and I think that’s down to the sour milky notes present throughout.
It’s those notes combined with a searing Menthol that distracts me from any enjoyment, unfortunately.
UpBar GT – Tiger Blood
I Say:
I Say:This tastes like a mixture of Berries with a very strong candy theme attached. The most dominant fruit would be Strawberry. Undulating beneath this are subtle hints of Watermelon.
It’s not an intense flavour and neither is it particularly sweet. In fact I get a very smooth tasting exhale due possibly to a creamy Coconut back drop.
The more I vaped it, the more the Watermelon pulled through to the point of eclipsing the Berry content.
So it comes across as having a very artificial taste, albeit quite complex thanks to that overlapping of flavours.
The Menthol is again very strong and doesn’t take long to almost burn the back of the throat with its intensity.
I’m not quite sure what to make of Tiger Blood. I enjoy and appreciate the subtleties but the arrangement of the fruits feel a bit off.
UpBar GT – Tobacco
I Say:
I Say:No. This one’s not working for me at all. I thought the initial whiff of the mouthpiece hinted at the presence of Caramel so that would have been an interesting addition.
But this is an exact flavour replication of the smell of ash – if that makes sense..
It’s dry, dull and completely void of any characteristics of a Tobacco leaf. There’s not much in the way of sweetness either which makes it even more stale tasting.
My palate is merely left with that torrid ash aroma. What flavour there is, is very muted too.
The one thing I can write positively of is the lack of Menthol. Not that it would have saved what is quite possibly the worst Tobacco vape I’ve ever tried.
It’s a no, no from me, I’m afraid.
UpBar GT – Vanilla Custard Chocolate
I Say:
I Say:I’m not very keen on the overall flavour during exhale but that’s certainly not to say Vanilla Custard Chocolate is without merit. The flavour blending is on point.
The powdery chocolate isn’t the most accurate representation in the world and similar in nature to Ovaltine.
Toward the back end of the exhale the Custard leaves it’s mark and does indeed have a creamy, dairy texture. I like the fact that it seems to have its own presence and not simply mashed in with the Chocolate.
The Vanilla notes are ever present and weave through the entire exhale, knitting everything together.
There’s a slight tinge of sweetness to be found after the vape. It’s not quite sugar lips on this occasion but leaves a pleasant enough impact.
So, yeah – some decent flavour mixing on show. My only gripe is that it could’ve done without the Menthol. It’s just not necessary here.
Battery Life and Number of Puffs
A percentage of my time was spent restrictive lung (RDL) vaping these disposables. In total I harvested 7.5 hours continuous vaping.
So when I add the additional time taken to achieve these longer pulls I’d definitely say the number of puffs adds up to around 600. As a dedicated MTL vaper you’ll get those figures.
We tell you what MTL and RDL mean in our Guide To Vape Styles.
There’s maybe one or two drops of E-liquid left inside the viewable mouthpiece when the battery eventually gives up. The White arrow shaped LED on the front flashes 10 times and it’s time to dispose of. Responsibly.
Final Review Verdict
The FRESOR tech works very efficiently in terms of airflow structure on the UpBar GT disposable.
The MTL restriction was on par. It felt very natural and comfortable in terms of replicating the draw from a cigarette. A transitioning smoker will feel very much at home.
Not only that but a restrictive direct lung pull was also possible. So without doubt, vapour production can be maximised in this respect. Without loss in flavour.
None of the flavours were too intense and neither did they display any signs of saturation or leaking into the mouthpiece. So full kudos to Upends.
I also appreciated how some of the profiles were more subtle in their approach. This proved especially effective where flavour blending was concerned. Vanilla Custard Chocolate was a prime example. Although I wasn’t enamoured by the taste, blending was exemplary.
So to sum things up the Upends UpBar GT disposable is a solid, reliable and consistent performer.
Pole position in terms of disposable vapes? Not quite but there’s certainly nothing wrong with its engine when it comes to flavour quality and performance.
Have you tried the Upends UpBar GT disposable vapes yet? If so what did you think of them? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
