Today I’m taking a look at another product that’s a disposable but not a disposable. Confused? Don’t be. It’s the Elfbar Mate 500 device and we’ll get right into it.
Elfbar need very little introduction when it comes to disposable vapes. They’ve just released an upgrade to their popular Elfbar 600 with the aptly named Elfbar 600 V2.
But there’s no denying disposable vapes have an impact on the environment. Once disposed of there’s a whole lotta recycling to be done and this is can only be effectively dealt with by using dedicated waste collection points.
So Elfbar came up with a solution of sorts with their ELFA and ELFA PRO pod kits.
They use a dedicated rechargeable section and replaceable pre-filled pods to reduce battery and plastic waste.
You still got all the benefits with taste and flavour of a disposable while reducing impact on the environment. Can’t be bad.
Now we’ve got the Elfbar Mate 500 device and P1 pods taking the concept one step further.
Two reviews in one. Bonus! Let’s take a look.
Elfbar Mate 500 Device – Inside the Box
- Elfbar Mate 500 device
- Type C USB charging cable
- User manual
- Warranty card
Elfbar Mate 500 Device – Specifications
- Size: 104.5 x 18.9 x 11.4mm
- Weight: 21g
- Material: Aluminium
- Battery capacity: 500mAh (rechargeable)
- Charging: Type C USB
- Charging rate: 1A
- Number of puffs: Up to 600 per charge
P1 Replaceable Pods – Specifications
- Material: PCTG
- E-liquid capacity: 2ml
- Coil resistance: 1.2ohm
- E-liquid ratio: 50VG/50PG
- Nicotine strength: 20mg (2%) salt nicotine
- ECS coil Technology
What Can We Expect From the Elfbar Mate 500 Device?
I like to think of the Elfbar Mate 500 as a link between disposable vapes and basic starter pod kits.
It’s basically an independent battery section designed for use with the Elfbar P1 disposable pods. You keep the battery section and dispose of the pre-filled pods when done.
With the pods attached it certainly takes on the appearance of a disposable vape.
Made of Aircraft Grade Aluminium and weighing a mere 21 grams, it’s as lightweight, portable and pocket friendly as any disposable vape too.
As the name suggests, it utilises a rechargeable 500mAh integrated battery reliant on type C USB charging.
The charging port can be found on the base of the device. We can expect up to 600 puffs from a single charge – the equivalent of one prefilled pod.
A single LED indicator takes care of business when auto drawing and to notify of any safety issues.
If the device does suspect a safety issue one of the following will occur:
- Low Battery – the LED will cease to function
- Short circuit/over current protection – LED remains lit for two seconds
- Over vaping time (5sec)/low voltage protection – LED flashes twice
Moving on – Further up the Mate 500 device, small airflow slots on either side should ensure a decent MTL (Mouth To Lung) vape.
The pods attach to the battery by way of magnetic contacts and recess enough into the Mate 500 device to prevent them from detaching if dropped from standing height.
Good stuff.
You can pick up the Elfbar Mate 500 device in an array of different colours. Choose from Black, Grey, Black Grey, Aurora Green, Blue, Purple, Pink and yellow.
As you can see, I’ve got the Aurora Purple. Bet the Black Grey combo looks smart too.
Of course to get everything up and running we need those all important P1 Pods.
What Can We Expect From the P1 Disposable Pods?
They arrive in blister packs of two, making them more cost effective than standard disposable vapes.
But I must say I had a pig of a time trying to get into them. Could be my sausage fingers, could be the extra layer of cellophane around them.
Or it could be that they’re just packaged too damn tightly! lol
It’s me! I have to have a moan about something, right? 😉
Made from the industry standard PCTG, the P1 pods include a sealed dual configuration 1.2ohm coil.
Expect a boost in flavour and a leak free experience should be assured.
There’s a multitude of flavour pods to pick from ranging from fruit, drinks and tobacco based profiles.
Each one holds 2ml of E-liquid with a salt nicotine strength of 20mg. So if you’re used to using disposable vapes, you’ll feel very much at home here.
Elfbar have employed ECS coil technology with the P1 pods. This stands for E-liquid Coil Separation.
It’s the first time they’ve used this tech but I have seen it done before with other manufacturers, whether pushing or twisting.
E-liquid remains separated from the coil until the Red area on the base of the pod is pushed in. It’s a way of ensuring integrity and freshness and to maximise flavour.
So keep in mind you can’t just drop the pods into the battery section and vape immediately. Elfbar suggest a minimum of 3 seconds but I would personally give it a least a few minutes.
Just to make certain E-liquid has fully soaked into the cotton and to prevent unnecessary dry hitting.
Trust me – I’m a vaper! lol
In fact, you know what? Let’s look at the entire process right now, shall we?
Quick Start Guide
- With the Elfbar Mate 500 device at hand remove one of the pre-filled pods from the blister pack
- Remove the top and bottom silicone stoppers from the pre-filled P1 pod
- Push the exposed Red area up and into the P1 pod
- Let E-liquid soak into the cotton for at least 2 minutes
- Drop the P1 pod into the battery section
Note: The pods only fit one way. Don’t attempt to force them into place.
How To Charge the Elfbar Mate 500 Device
The charging rate is specified as 1A.
- Using the supplied type C USB charging cable, connect the small end into the USB port on the base of the device
Connect the larger end of the cable into a suitable USB outlet
Connect the larger end of the cable into a suitable USB outletIt will take exactly one hour to recharge the device. One word of note. The White LED remains lit at all times during the charge cycle and flashes twice once complete. When this happens the LED switches off.
The instruction manual differs by stating the LED flashes while charging. So I’m not sure if the review sample I have has a functionality issue.
Right!
I think it’s time we tested both the Mate 500 device and prefilled pods.
Massive shout out to Vape Club for sending the kit over for the purposes of review. It’s very much appreciated so thank you.
Kiwi Cucumber
Elfbar Says:
Elfbar Says:Kiwi Cucumber features a juicy fusion that plays between sweet and sharp notes. The flavour of exotic Kiwi is mellowed out by the crisp taste of Cucumber.
I Say:
This is an odd one.
It tastes more of a mixture between Grape, Blueberry and a touch of Raspberry. But becomes more floral tasting mid-way through the exhale.
And it narrowly avoids the dreaded Blueberry Ammonia aroma on the flavour palate. Narrowly!
So just when I think I’m going to start pulling a face – I don’t. lol
But I really can’t associate this flavour with Cucumber. Not that it’s ever been an ‘in your face’ taste to begin with and really rather subtle when used effectively.
It’s still a sweet and tangy vape and the mixture of fruits must be attributed to the Kiwi.
Yeah, it’s certainly consistent enough and dare I say quite original for a disposable pod. Elfbar have definitely created a floral/fruity fusion but to pinpoint exact flavour? That’s quite difficult.
There’s plenty of Koolada thrown in and does enough to keep things bright and lively.
To be honest, it’s never going to appear in my personal top 10 flavours but if you’re after something a bit unique give Kiwi Cucumber a toot or two.
Sakura Mint
Elfbar Says:
Elfbar Says:Sakura Mint is a floral, frosty blend. The light flavour of Cherry Blossom is complemented by a sweet, cool mint finish.
I Say:
Flavour intensity or wot!
There’s just the merest hint of Cherry trickling very much below a tidal wave of Minty Menthol in Sakura Mint.
For some reason I’m reminded of flavour from yesteryear. Way back to when I first started vaping on humble starter pens.
It has the same intense, throat chilling inhale and the Mint, more akin to Peppermint is very familiar tasting. Quite a clinical taste, only softened by the inclusion of a very light, fragrant Cherry.
But there’s enough of the fruit to put a completely different spin on this Menthol vape.
I though Lemon and Lime was as intense as it got but this one takes the prize!
I’m not even sure how Elfbar managed to mix Cherry with so much Menthol but they’ve definitely succeeded and I for one think it works a treat.
A completely different after taste is generated, only adding to the magic. Flavour blending at its absolute finest.
Hats off to that!
Mango Peach Watermelon
Elfbar Says:
Elfbar Says:Mango Peach Watermelon is a fruity fusion that complements the juicy taste of ripe Mango with light notes of Peach and the sweetness of Watermelon.
I Say:
Ah yes! Very nice indeed.
There’s an instant richness and depth to the flavour. I dig it from the very first exhale.
Such is the way all three fruits have been combined that it almost tastes like an entirely unique experience all together.
I have to take my hat off to Elfbar for the fusion of Mango and Peach alone. It’s very succulent and mouth-watering at the same time.
There’s a slight muskiness generated by the Peach yet still manages to retain its juicier qualities. The Mango is spot on too! None of the usual “Cats’ Pee” aroma is on show, quite possibly neutralised by the Watermelon.
Yes, the sweetness of the vape may very well be coming from the Watermelon as it takes more of a back seat in terms of flavour output.
I’ve had this flavour combo before (albeit in traditional disposable form) and nothing comes close to replicating it the way this one does.
It’s packed full of fruity goodness from start to finish, a very consistent taste at all times and the icy cold blast on the inhale sets everything up very nicely.
How well do you think it scores? Go on. Take a wild guess!
Lemon & Lime
Elfbar Says:
Elfbar Says:Lemon & Lime features an intense citrus taste. Bold, tangy Lemon combines with juicy Lime for a zingy fruit blend.
I Say:
This one hits the spot!
It’s a perfect blend of Lemon and Lime and I’m instantly reminded of an ice cold tropical fruit beverage.
It all begins with that chilling inhale. A sharpness and cutting edge from the citrus notes are also present on the way in, setting the scene for the flavour explosion that follows.
The Lemon remains sharp and very tasty while the Lime elevates flavour properties further.
Yes, it’s never going to be the smoothest of vapes because of the zest of the vape and Koolada has a tendency to amplify the cutting edge of the exhale.
I’m very much reminded of a Lemon and Lime cordial / squash. There’s an equal measure of sweetness to tantalise the ‘ole taste buds, working in perfect unison with the acidity of the vape.
It’s a ‘pick me up’ vape to all intents and certainly one to waken the senses first thing in the morning!
As far as I’m concerned it contains excellent flavour blending and equally intense as any disposable vape on the market.
USA Mix
Elfbar Says:
Elfbar Says:USA Mix is an earthy, smoky flavour. A robust, rich tobacco taste is present in every puff.
I Say:
Works for me! And I haven’t smoked for a decade..
Strong earthy tones are definitely created but there’s also an aromatic undertone or two with USA Mix.
And there’s just the right balance of sweetness from the Tobacco leaf. That helps to stop the vaping experience from becoming too dry on the exhale.
The inhale is velvety smooth and carries across to the bulk of the vape with those aromatic notes settling in the flavour palate post exhale.
A very pleasant experience. Don’t expect the experience of any tailor made variety, though. The taste is more in keeping with an exotic loose fill Tobacco with a touch of Menthol thrown in for good measure.
I could’ve done without the Menthol but its horses for courses.
Can you still get those in jars? Probably not but some of you may still recall what I’m referring to.
Anyway, USA Mix represents more careful flavour blending and for right or wrong, certainly takes me back to the days when I experimented with Tobacco blends in roll ups.
.. Not that I have any intention of returning lol. An ideal jumping on point for any hardened smoker, though.
Battery Performance and Number of Puffs
I got eight hours of vaping from a single charge.
Here’s the rub.
The Mate 500 was still working when the pods ran dry. Well – almost dry.
There was very little E-liquid left through the clear viewing windows and volume had fallen below the cotton wicking levels, causing the introduction of dry hits.
Something to keep in mind. My suggestion would still be to recharge the device with every pod replacement.
That aside then, it became blatantly obvious that the device is more than capable of 600 puffs. The Elfbar Mate 500 performs admirably and it always felt like a constant power was being fed to the pods.
A solid performance.
Final Review Verdict
You can’t really go wrong with using the P1 pods. Instructions are included and a sticker is even placed on the rear of the blister pack. Full kudos to Elfbar for doubling down on their efforts to avoid misuse.
I mentioned at the top how Elfbar have taken the recycling concept one step further.
They’ve done this by introducing a refillable pod for use with the Mate 500 device.
They come in blister packs of three, each one capable of holding 2ml of E-liquid. The same ECS tech and dual coil configuration is used.
They’re ideal for use with the Elfbar Elfliq 10ml E-liquid range of Elfbar flavours since they give a similar experience to the intense flavour of a disposable vape.
So this means even less waste material and even better value for money. Can’t be bad!
I only really have one design quibble with the Elfbar Mate 500 device. The LED doesn’t respond to when the pod is attached. Nothing major. It’s just a feature present in the majority of devices of this ilk.
But there’s no doubt in my mind.
The P1 pods are more than capable of emulating the experience of a disposable vape. The flavours are intense, concentrated and very consistent. All the attributes you’d expect from a disposable.
So is vapour production, perfectly mimicking the volume and density of a tailor made cigarette.
The MTL vape is good but maybe could’ve been a tad tighter. It was easy enough to achieve restrictive direct lung vapes, put it that way but auto draw was still hyper sensitive regardless of vaping habits.
To summarize I’m extremely impressed.
The Elfbar Mate 500 and P1 pods offer a damn fine alternative to disposables. Less waste and better value for money.
I’m all for that.
