I have the Gold Bar Reload Pod Kit in for review!
The Gold Bar brand are known for their disposable vapes which scored well in our review here.
This time they have used their experience with disposables to create something more sustainable yet easy to use.
With the Reload kit instead of throwing away the whole device when the e-liquid has ran out or the battery has discharged – you can re-use it! Simply re-charge when needed and install a new pre-filled pod when the e-liquid runs out. Resulting in much less waste and expense. Plus this also means this is not classed as a “single use” vape so is not affected by the UK Disposable Vape ban!
Thank you to Vape Club for sending these over for review!
As always taste perception will vary, so I will be reporting on performance and how well the flavours match the description.
What Can We Expect From The Gold Bar Reload Pod Kit?
As mentioned above this is a less wasteful and less expensive version of the Gold Bar disposable vapes.
Sorry for the lack of marketing images, Vape Gold seem to be a bit shy with the photos!
You get a main device which contains a rechargeable battery. I asked Vape Gold what the battery capacity was – as it is not mentioned on the website, packaging or instructions.
A USB Type C charging port is provided but you do not get a cable included in the kit. This is to keep the costs low.
To keep things simple this has a draw activation where you inhale on the mouthpiece to fire – exactly the same as the disposable version.
The airflow is fixed and not adjustable but promises to suit MTL (Mouth To Lung) vapers who prefer a cigarette-like tight airflow.
This uses pre-filled replaceable pods. The pods contain 2ml of 20mg Nicotine Salt e-liquid.
When the e-liquid has run out – you simply dispose of the pod and replace with a new one. This is the only waste – compared to scrapping a whole battery like you have to with disposables.
Inside the pod is a “Hypermesh” coil – but no idea of the coil resistance. Also the VG/PG ratio is not specified.
Vape Gold state that each pod should provide up to 600 puffs – which is the average count for a 2ml vape.
You can buy the kit which includes the battery and 1 flavour pod. After that you just buy the pods in packs of two.
You can choose from 12 flavours:
- Blueberry Ice
- Banana Ice
- Watermelon Ice
- Lemon Ice
- Summer Berries
- Spearmint
- Cherry Fizz
- 24K Mango
- Blue Raspberry
- Raspberry Watermelon
- Lemon Lime
- Hawaiian Sunrise
Time to get stuck in and see if the Gold Bar Reload is a viable alternative to a disposable vape!
In The Box
- Gold Bar Reload device
- 1 pre-filled pod
- Instructions
Specifications
- Size: 110x17x17mm (including pod – manual measurement)
- Capacity: 2ml
- Puff Count: Up to 600 per pod
- Display: 360° LED indicator light ring
- Nicotine strength: 20mg
- VG / PG Ratio: Not specified
- Nicotine type: Nic Salt
- Coil: Hyper Mesh Coil
- Battery capacity: Not specified
- USB Type C – 1A charge rate
- 12 flavours available
- Auto draw activation
Design & Build Quality
I received 2 of the pod kits in the Banana Ice and 24K Mango flavours.
Plus I received 10 packs of pods in the remaining flavours.
Therefore I will be reviewing the entire range!
Packaging & Instructions
The device comes in a small Gold sparkly box – which does catch the eye without any images that might attract youngsters.
On the front you get the usual legal warning, the name, flavour and nicotine strength.
On the rear of the box are the ingredients, dosage info, legal logos, further warnings and contact details.
I am also pleased to see a batch number and expiry date – these reassure me that the manufacturer has tracking and tracing systems in place.
When you open the box you will find a plastic wrapper which contains the device and instructions.
There is a protective sticker on the base of the pod to prevent it firing in transit and a protective plug on the mouthpiece.
The instructions are absolutely tiny and I cannot see an online version of these which is a shame. I often download a digital version when available as you can zoom in!
Also they are not particularly helpful, they tell you how to install a pod and that is about it. There is no info on charging or indicator lights for fault / battery / e-liquid capacity warnings?
It is worth noting there is no USB charging cable included in the kit – this is to keep the price low. Therefore you will need a USB Type C cable – which most people have knocking around to charge Phones.
Is It Genuine?
On the box, there is a QR code. When you scan this with your phone camera, it takes you to the Gold Bar website. But there is no option to verify the device on there.
On the opposite side of the box it says…
“Authentication: Visit tagcheck.io and scan to verify your Gold Bar’s Authenticity”
Next to that is a circular sticker which is what you need to scan.
However the tagcheck thingy doesn’t work on my PC as it needs to take a picture of the code sticker.
So I tried it on my mobile phone and it worked.
First of all when you type in www.tagcheck.io you go to a page called “app.cypheme.com” and there is a video which will guide you through what to do.
When you understand the process, click on the photo icon at the bottom to take a picture of the round sticker.
The image is then sent to the Gold Bar servers and you will receive confirmation as to whether the device is genuine or not.
Device
This has a square profile but 2 of the sides are recessed.
It has a metallic brushed Gold finish and all the edges are smooth.
It is hard to tell which is the front or back but the two recessed panels have branding.
The one side has the Gold Bar logo and the “Gold Bar” text. Further towards the bottom is the “Reload” logo.
The opposite side has the same Gold Bar logo and smaller “Gold Bar” text. Towards the base is a lightning bolt symbol.
The base is made from a separate part in Black plastic. Just above the base is the LED light ring which can be viewed from any side of the device and is nice and bright.
On the base you will find the required legal logos etched in, a small airflow inlet hole and the well made, recessed USB Type C port.
The pod compartment is extremely deep, so if you do need to clean the contacts at any point you will probably need a cotton bud to reach them.
Looking into the compartment you will find 2 electrical contacts and an extremely strong magnet which holds the pods in firmly!
The pods can be installed in any direction but will only fully locate if the overhanging tab is aligned with one of the recessed side panels.
Pods
These come in packs of 2 and include the same tiny instructions you find in the main kit.
They are sealed into foil and plastic packages to ensure they are tamperproof, leak proof and fully protected from the elements.
Upon unpacking a pod there is a protector in the mouthpiece which needs to be removed before use.
Also remove the isolator sticker from the base of the pod.
The mouthpiece has a nice taper and is a very smooth comfortable shape.
The front of the pod has the Gold Bar logo, “Gold Bar Reload”, flavour and strength marked on clearly.
On the rear of the pod are the necessary legal logos.
The sides which have the printing also house the alignment tabs. As mentioned in the mod section, these tabs need to align with the recessed sides of the mod.
You cannot see the e-liquid level which is a shame as the pods are just a Black plastic material.
On the base are the 2 electrical contacts.
Quick Start Guide
Sadly the instructions are so tiny it is hard to read them and there is no online version either.
Thankfully I did find this on their website which should help!
Unpack the device from the packaging and there are two protective covers which need to be removed before use.
There is a plug in the mouthpiece which you just pull out and then remove the pod to peel the isolation sticker off the pod base.
To vape simply inhale on the mouthpiece and the device will do the rest! There are no buttons or adjustments!
The LED indicator will light up when vaping.
When the battery is discharged the LED indicator will flash and the device will conk out until charged.
How To Charge
It is worth popping the device on charge using your own USB Type C cable.
- Install the small end of a USB Type C cable into the bottom port of the mod.
- Install the large end into a suitable USB outlet.
- The LED indicator will light up White when charging.
- When the device is fully charged the LED indicator will go out.
Mine took 1 hour and 46 minutes before the light went out to show it was fully charged. Which seems pretty slow?
Flavours
Blueberry Ice
Vape Gold Say…
“Blueberry Ice Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods combine the succulent taste of fresh Blueberries with a crisp, icy exhale, creating a refreshingly sweet vape experience. Each puff offers the perfect blend of natural Blueberry sweetness with a cooling finish, reminiscent of a Blueberry Ice Slush. This flavour is perfect for vapers who love their fruit flavours with an invigorating twist.”
I Say…
A yummy and juicy Blueberry Jam like smell greets me when opening up the packaging!
This is a flavour I would choose for myself so I am excited to see how Gold Bar have tailored their version!
There is slightly more sourness in this flavour than in the rest of the range, but there are still plenty of sweet notes too.
On the inhale is where you find the initial tang and then as you exhale this evolves into a syrupy and jammy joy.
Some Blueberry e-liquids can veer off into the synthetic category very easily, but with the more rounded exhale it does feel like a proper jam.
I really enjoyed this!
Banana Ice
Vape Gold Say…
“Gold Bar Reload Banana Ice Prefilled Pods offers a uniquely delicious vaping experience that combines the smooth, sweet flavour of ripe Bananas with a refreshing menthol exhale. This blend is perfect for those who appreciate a fruity flavour with a cooling twist, making every puff an enjoyable refreshment. The cool menthol complements the Banana’s natural sweetness, providing a balanced taste that’s both invigorating and satisfyingly sweet.”
I Say…
I was expecting the usual disposable vape version of Banana which tends to replicate the Foam Banana sweets.
Guess what – I wasn’t wrong!
I could smell the familiar aroma as soon as I opened the pod packaging.
Personally I am a massive fan of this retro sweetie flavour and it is very well transferred into an e-liquid!
There is a small amount of cooling, but it doesn’t overwhelm the flavour at all.
Wonderful stuff!
Watermelon Ice
Vape Gold Say…
“Watermelon Ice Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods offer a refreshing blend of ripe, juicy Watermelon and a frosty menthol finish, providing a vape that’s as refreshing as a cold Watermelon slice on a hot summer’s day. This flavour strikes an ideal balance between sweetness and coolness, delivering a vaping experience that’s both invigorating and delightfully smooth. “
I Say…
This is the flavour I have been dreading the most – my nemesis – Watermelon.
I can say there is some very welcome sweetness here, which takes away from the usual musty Watermelon flavour.
Also there is a nice amount of cooling.
Whilst I am not a fan, this is sweeter and more candy like than most disposable vape Watermelon attempts – which is a good thing with me.
In fact I have managed about 10 puffs on this! Unheard of! Normally 2 or 3 puffs of Watermelon is far too many!
Those craving a realistic Watermelon probably won’t be a fan.
Lemon Ice
Vape Gold Say…
“Lemon Ice Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods are the perfect blend of sharp Lemon zest and a refreshing icy finish, creating a vape experience that is as revitalising as a cold Lemonade on a hot summer’s day. The sharp, tangy flavour of Lemon is beautifully balanced with a cool menthol undertone, providing a vape that’s both fruity and refreshingly bold. “
I Say…
This is very tangy but like the Lemon Lime flavour further in the review – it is quite synthetic and sweet/candy like.
It does taste exactly like a Sherbet Lemon sweet with the tongue tingling tang thing going on!
There is the lovely fizz as the citrus notes burst on your tongue and a very gentle cooling.
This would not suit those wanting a sour realistic Lemon flavour, but if you enjoy a retro sweet/candy version you should be happy!
Summer Berries
Vape Gold Say…
“Summer Berries Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods combine a merry medley of summer’s finest fruits, including Strawberries, Raspberries, and Blueberries, for a rich, juicy vape experience that’s bursting with flavour. This delightful blend mimics the taste of a fresh berry basket, offering a sweet and slightly tart flavour profile that’s perfect for fruit lovers seeking depth and complexity in their vape. “
I Say…
Removing the pod from the packaging greets me with the most succulent aroma of Raspberry and Strawberry – which has got my mouth watering already.
Oh this is right up my street this!
The Blueberry is the slightly dominant flavour, but I can also taste the stunning blend of Strawberry and Raspberry too!
It is beautiful and the light addition of cooling makes this a summer delight.
The blending is perfect and all the beautiful fruits harmonise well together.
This comes very close to the Cherry Fizz to being my favourite in the range!
Spearmint
Vape Gold Say…
“Spearmint Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods deliver a blast of cool mintiness that’s both refreshing and invigorating, capturing the essence of pure spearmint leaves. This flavour offers a smooth, minty vape that cleanses the palate and provides a brisk exhale, making it perfect for those who appreciate a clean, and delicately sweet vaping experience. “
I Say…
Wow this is quite a blast of flavour and ice!
The Spearmint is very strong but not quite as sweet as I was expecting.
When I think of Spearmint I tend to think of the Blue Trebor Softmints or the chewy mints shown in the picture below.
But this is a lot stronger. It also feels like there is some Cinnamon in here, like a touch of spice which makes it feel a bit “hot” on the tastebuds.
But the Coolada does bring the temperature down a lot.
I find the level of the mint a bit too overpowering here, it is almost like Toothpaste. It also stays in your mouth for a long time, even when you take a sip of a drink!
If you like Extra Strong Mints – this might be the e-liquid for you! But it was a bit too heavy duty for me!
Cherry Fizz
Vape Gold Say…
“Cherry Fizz Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods capture the exhilarating taste of fizzy Cherry Soda, blending sweet Cherry flavours with a bubbly effervescence to truly tantalize the taste buds. This unique flavour offers a nostalgic trip with every vape, reminiscent of sipping on your favourite Cherry-flavoured Soda. Ideal for vapers looking for something sweet yet tangy, Cherry Fizz stands out with its bold and refreshing taste profile. “
I Say…
Even the smell when opening the package is absolutely delicious!
I love this flavour – I would 100% buy it myself if there was an e-liquid version of it!
Yes there is the usual Candy/Sweetie style Cherry which is synonymous with disposable vapes, but there is an edge which makes it feel more rounded and full bodied.
So it is actually elevated from your basic Cherry flavour.
Even more spectacular is the “Fizz” element. I was expecting like a Fizzy drink sensation – but no – it is powdery like Sherbet – Yummy!
I really enjoy this and will be using this flavour for the puff count testing!
24K Mango
Vape Gold Say…
“Gold Bar 24K Mango prefilled pods transports your tastebuds to a balmy tropical paradise with every inhale. These prefilled pods unveil the exquisite taste of ripe, sun-kissed Mangoes, offering a sweet, juicy vaping experience that’s second to none. This flavour perfectly captures the taste of the beloved tropical fruit, with a smooth, flavourful finish that’s both luscious and refreshing and indulgently sweet.”
I Say…
Unfortunately – just as with Watermelon – I have an aversion to Mango flavour in vapes. I just don’t know why but I cannot understand why anyone would like it?
So with fear in my eyes I get stuck into 24K Mango.
First thing I notice is the ice – which is not unwelcome or too strong.
Following that I do get the familiar Mango flavour – but Hallelujah it is a sweeter, lighter and fresher version than I was expecting.
Some Mango e-liquids can be very earthy with almost a “soily” flavour – but here this is bright and has an almost citrus zing about it!
This is such a refreshing take on the usually earthy dark flavour of Mango, it is so fresh, sparkly and bright. Matched with the perfect level of cooling it brings a smile to my face – which is very rare for this fruit. Well done Gold Bar!
Blue Raspberry
Vape Gold Say…
“Blue Raspberry Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods offer an iconic flavour with their tangy kick of Raspberry and the syrupy-sweet taste of Blueberry. Offering a sharp, sweet, and refreshing vaping experience. This vibrant blend captures the essence of the beloved flavour, providing a perfect balance between tartness and sweetness that excites the palate. Ideal for those who cherish bold, fruity vapes, Blue Raspberry stands out with its distinctive taste, making every puff a delightful adventure.”
I Say…
Other than Bubblegum, this is one of the flavour profiles which always captures my interest and would compel me to buy it!
So I am extremely pleased to report this is a beauty!
But it is not just your standard Blue Raspberry offering. It is incredibly deep and complex!
Somehow during the exhale it almost verges into Blackcurrant territory – which is another of my favourite flavours. So that was a really happy bonus!
This is a masterclass in blending to create an e-liquid which evolves and surprises with different nuances as you inhale and exhale.
A masterpiece!
Raspberry Watermelon
Vape Gold Say…
“Raspberry Watermelon Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods blends the sweet, succulent taste of Watermelon with the tartness of fresh Raspberries, creating a uniquely satisfying vape that’s both fruity and refreshing. This flavour profile captures the best of summer fruits, offering a vape that’s as juicy and refreshing as a freshly cut slice of Watermelon on a warm day, with a hint of Ruby Raspberry to add complexity and depth. “
I Say…
Thank god for the Raspberry! It makes the Watermelon palatable!
Yes I detest Watermelon flavour vapes and on the inhale I thought I would be met by the horrible flavour I was expecting. But the lovely Raspberry kicks in and sweetens things up nicely.
It is not a flavour I would choose but the Raspberry really brings another angle to a generic Watermelon flavour – one which I find most welcome!
There is also a subtle hint of ice which is not at all overpowering and is in fact very refreshing!
Nice work Gold Bar!
Lemon Lime
Vape Gold Say…
“Lemon Lime Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods offer a zesty combination of sharp Lemon and vibrant Lime, delivering a vape experience that’s bursting with citrus freshness. This electrifying mix is perfect for those who enjoy a sharp, citrusy edge to their vape, providing a refreshingly tart flavour that invigorates with every puff. “
I Say…
Wow this is impressive!
It reminds me of Opal fruits / Starburst – the Green and Yellow ones – Lemon and Lime!
As you can guess this is quite a candy/sweetie inspired flavour, but man it really delivers! Just like eating the Yellow and Green Starburst sweets at the same time.
It almost feels like you have the creamy chew texture on your tongue too – what a masterful bit of blending this is!
You also get a very slight cooling but nothing overboard and it just adds to the delicious experience.
If you would like a realistic sour citrus sting then this flavour will be too sweet for you. It is more of a synthetic version but it made me very nostalgic towards those little square wrapped sweets!
Hawaiian Sunrise
Vape Gold Say…
“Hawaiian Sunrise Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods offer a taste of paradise with a blend of tropical fruits that evoke the tranquillity of a Hawaiian dawn. This flavour combines the sweetness of Pineapples, the richness of Mangoes, and a hint of Peach for a truly tropical vaping experience. Each inhale is like the first rays of the morning sun, warming and invigorating, perfect for starting your day or as a sweet escape at any time. “
I Say…
This is yummy!
It tastes like a mash-up between Pineapple Cubes and Pear Drops (old school sweeties).
So if you are a retro sweet fan like me – you will be in your element with this flavour!
I know there is no Pear mentioned in the flavour description but I think the medley of tropical fruits combines to capture a sweet Pear Flavour. This harmonises beautifully with the Pineapple.
As I have said many times in this review (sorry to repeat myself) – but this is not for the fruit purists. This is your disposable style fruit flavour – more reminiscent of sweets / candy than actual fruit.
It is happily rounded off with a medium hit of cooling.
Wonderful!
Performance & Number Of Puffs
So far I have emptied 1 pod – the Cherry Fizz. I got a total of 395 puffs.
With other 600 puff 2ml disposable vapes I have reviewed, my puff counts range from 140 – 190 puffs (Relx Waka SoPro PA600) and between 293 – 447 with the Jac Vapour Puff Box pods.
As for battery performance – one charge lasted a whopping 438 puffs!
So the puff count and battery life are both excellent!
Airflow
I would say this is a great MTL airflow – without being too tight. It is very close to how you would need to inhale for a cigarette but without needing as much lung power!
If you want an RDL airflow I think you may find this a bit too restrictive.
Pros
- Much more sustainable compared to a disposable vape
- Less expensive than disposable vapes
- Wide range of flavours – same used as the disposable Gold Bars.
- Great MTL airflow
- No faults or leaks
- Expert blending on show
- Nice looking kit
- If you have a sweet tooth (like me) you will love most of these flavours!
- Excellent puff count and battery life
Cons
- Instructions are poor, difficult to read and miss a lot of information. Plus there is no online version for easier viewing
- Battery capacity not specified
- No idea of VG/PG ratio
- The flavours are sweet / candy inspired – not really suitable for those who want a realistic fruit experience (subjective)
- Charging is slow at 1 hour 46 minutes
Final Review Verdict
A big positive is the cost of this kit. The main device including a pod is a similar price to a 600 puff disposable vape. After that you get 2 pods for the same price again – which is the equivalent of 2x 600 puff disposables!
Also the sustainability of this kit is excellent. You are only throwing away the empty pods, so there is a lot less waste. Especially as you keep the battery and can keep re-using and recharging it as long as it works!
If you are already a fan of the Gold Bar disposable vapes, it should be an easy transition (in theory) as the flavours are the same!
Talking of flavours – I enjoyed the majority of these! Even flavours I am not fond of somehow had a different angle which made them more palatable. Also the cooling was subtle and added freshness, rather than overpower the flavour. A lot of blending expertise was on show here. It is worth adding though that these are not the most realistic fruit renditions you will find, they have the sweetie / candy quality which most disposable vapes favour.
My major negative for this kit is the lack of decent instructions.
The enclosed leaflet is too small to read properly, even if you take a photo and zoom in it is missing a lot of info.
There is no information on the indicator light, whether it displays low battery, battery charge level, e-liquid level, fault conditions or what it does when charging.
I had to email the company to ask what the battery capacity and VG/PG ratio is?
Seeing as this kit is designed to be a super easy transition from disposable vapes, I think Gold Bar have really screwed up here.
A lot of people used to disposables (or even brand new vapers) won’t know how to recharge a kit, whether it will flag up any faults and what the indicator light means?
Which is such a shame as the market they are targeting really need this information clearly explained. Once you have used the device a while it is super easy to use, but this initial information not being available has caused me to reduce the “ease of use” score I am afraid.
