EPIPA By Benedict Jones
Specifi cations:
-Dimensions: 120mm*32mm*40mm (width and depth
measurements taken at largest points)
- Battery capacity: 850mAh internal cell
- E-liquid capacity: 1.7ml
Sikary may have had their biggest success with their co-designed
Preco tank but in the time since, they’ve had a clear focus on
unconventional devices. The Epipa, a tobacco pipe-shaped pod
system, is the latest such offering, so how does it vape?
Construction, fi t and fi nish of the Epipa are good but not outstanding.
The lightweight chassis appears to be some form of polycarbonate.
It feels relatively solid but may not stand up to drops and other abuse
over an extended time. Seams are minimal though and tolerances are
nice, with a strong magnetised connection that keeps pods fi rmly in
place. The metallic fi nish on our review unit looks great and is quite
resistant to scratches, which is a nice bonus.
User experience is very stripped back. Despite the unconventional
form factor, the Epipa is essentially a standard pod system
functionally. This is a draw activated device, so no buttons or settings
to worry about and a small LED on top of the pipe section gives the
user three levels of battery feedback, along with alerts for short circuit
and low voltage cut off. Pods are fi lled by removing the mouth piece
and rubber seal underneath, which reveals two generous fi ll ports.
system. The tight MTL draw means vapour is warm too, which only
elevates the vape quality on offer here. In my view, this makes the
Epipa shine with high nicotine strength e-liquids, where the device
provides a very satisfying throat hit. The punchy flavour production
means dessert, tobacco and fruit e-liquids all work nicely, which is
more than can be said for most pod systems on the market.
Battery life is about what you would expect from an 850mAh cell
powering a 1.5Ohm coil, easily lasting a full day’s vaping on a charge
with power to spare. I found the device to charge from flat to full in
approximately one hour, which is well within acceptable limits for the
run time.
In summary, the Sikary Epipa is a very competent pod system and
there is something quite pleasing about vaping a full-bodied tobacco
blend from a device that resembles a traditional pipe. For some, it
may seem like a novelty but in reality the performance on offer here
is fantastic.
This design allows for mess-free fi lling, since one port allows for air
to escape, whilst the other lets liquid flow freely. This is a simple but
highly effective refi ll design that Sikary should consider applying to
their other pod systems.
Vape quality is where I’m most impressed with the Epipa, though. The
combination of true bottom airflow and reduced chamber size results
in some of the best flavour production I’ve experienced from a pod
PROS
- Great vape quality
CONS
- Plastic chassis
- Good ease of use
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