Today I’m taking a look at the new IVG Bar Crystal disposable vapes.
IVG are no strangers to the vast majority of vapers and it’s quite easy to see why. Since their beginnings in 2016 they’ve produced quite a staggering range of e-liquid flavours, all of which are designed for the new, casual or more ‘picky’ individual.
That’s just the kind of versatility worthy of a few industry awards – or fifty!
We’ve already looked at the original Bar, Bar Plus and Bar Diamond disposables. For those of an inquisitive mind those reviews disclose further details about the 2020 UK best brand.
This is IVG’s fourth foray into all things disposable then. Each one has shown varying degrees of evolution. The original Bar was a simple lozenge shaped device, the Bar Plus took on a classic appearance and the Bar Diamond impressed with its cut and rubberised grip.
So what’s changed with the Bar Crystal? Funny you should ask that!
What Can We Expect From the IVG Bar Crystal Disposable Vapes?
It seems IVG like to keep us on our toes. The IVG Bar Crystal represents another radical change of design and build. Admittedly the name is a bit of a giveaway but I was pleasantly surprised when I ripped open a carton for the first time.
The first thing that jumps out is the incredible light refractions created by the vertical etchings of the clear, toughened plastic outer shell. They glimmer and shine, radiating up and down the length of the disposable – the effect is quite impressive.
The mouthpiece is very comfortable in use and is also crystal clear in appearance. The very nature of vaping means that it is going to attract condensate so don’t expect it to remain clear for long..
I like the base of the disposable too. It features a metallic cap, making it perfect for standing on any surface. Can’t say that about all disposables. A tiny, single airflow slot can be found here alongside an LED illuminator that functions during the auto draw.
IVG have upped the ante on battery power since the Bar Diamond so it will be interesting to see how long the Bar Crystal holds out. How many puffs can I realistically expect?
The range currently consists of 13 flavours with menthol, fruit, sweet and beverage categories all covered.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 110 x 18mm
- E-liquid capacity: 2ml
- Nicotine strength: 20mg salt nicotine.
- Battery capacity: 550mAh
- Puffs: Up to 600 puffs
- Coil: Mesh with organic cotton
- Function: Auto draw
Apple Raspberry
IVG Says:
Crisp Apple mixed with sweet Raspberry, you won’t want to put down.
I Say:
There’s just enough cooling agent in Apple Raspberry to keep the vape fresh and invigorating. It’s not harsh or overpowering and that means the fullness of the flavour can escape.
I have to say there’s some deft blending going on here. I was expecting the Apple to cancel out the Berry but IVG have fused things very well.
It’s all about the sweeter elements on the inhale with just a touch of sourness from the crisp green Apple. During the exhale there’s a melding of the fruits to create something of a unique and original flavour.
Neither one takes centre stage or ever become dominant over the other. Some floral back notes are created by the candy like Raspberry towards the end of the vape which are very welcoming.
It’s not too strong or sweet either which also makes a pleasant change.
I’m finding Apple Raspberry a bit different as a vaping experience and I very much like it.
Blueberry Blackberry
IVG Says:
Refreshing Blueberries mixed with wild Blackberries for a mouth-watering aromatic taste.
I Say:
There’s a lot of sourness mixed in with the sweetness with this one. It’s highly evident on the inhale and signature throughout the vape.
The Koolada isn’t too strong although it will still latch onto the roof of the mouth and rear of the throat. As is usually the case, its effect is still being felt long after the vape is over.
What about the flavour itself?
In all honesty I found it difficult to make out much of the Blackberry. It seems to be obscured by an over abundance of sweetener.
The Blueberry is definitely there and in a somewhat saturated form. That’s where most of the sourness is coming from but it does border on acrid.
This is one occasion where I feel the fruity fusion hasn’t quite worked. Don’t get me wrong. It’s still flavoursome but suffers from the ‘triple S’ syndrome.
Sourness, sweetness and saturation.
Cherry Cola
IVG Says:
Get a blast from the past with our nostalgic Cherry Cola flavour.
I Say:
How weird can our sense of smell be? When I unpacked Cherry Cola I was instantly reminded of Southern Comfort! lol
Ah for the memories – maybe not.. The hangovers ruin those.
Very, very sweet on the inhale and the cooling agent tickles and plays with the back of the throat. Before becoming a tad obtrusive and just not in keeping with a drinks based profile.
The Cherry has a slight candy like edge and isn’t quite what I was expecting. Does it mix with the Cola side? Not really in all honesty. In fact on the final throes of exhale I’m greeted with a kind of wet sweetness that’s not too appealing.
The Cola itself seems to be condensed and isolated instead of fusing or mixing with the Cherry. Cherry Cola is just too sickly sweet for my liking unfortunately.
Then again, if you’ve got a sweet tooth? It might be up your vaping street.
Frozen Berries
IVG Says:
Perfect mix of Strawberries, Raspberries and Blueberries with an added icy burst.
I Say:
This is another very sweet vape that permeates throughout the vape. The taste is very candy oriented but there is a classic fusion of fruity flavour.
Strawberry, Raspberry and Blueberry are all present but because it’s been blended so well it’s quite difficult to say which of the three shines the most.
The cooling properties of the vape have been tempered with Frozen Berries and very much suit the profile. An icy cold blast hits the throat and lines the lips which helps to keep things invigorating and refreshing.
This is definitely a Summer season vape.
There’s also enough sourness to attenuate the Berries. The way everything comes together keeps me coming back for more.
If you’ve a sweet tooth you’ll love this. I think it’s instantly accessible to the newer or casual vaper.
Passion Fruit Mango
IVG Says:
Packed full of exotic Mango and delicious Passion Fruit getting that exotic kick.
I Say:
When released from the vacuum sealed bag I got a strong whiff of Mango and Orange. There’s an insane level of sweetener applied to Passionfruit Mango with some tart like qualities appearing on the inhale.
Koolada builds during the inhale but thankfully this isn’t too intense.
The exhale offers a clever combination of flavours of which Mango dominates. I could pick out some Pineapple back notes mixed in with the floral tones of the Passionfruit.
This is a very Summery, tropical vape and is bursting with flavour. It’s quite refreshing and mouth watering. However, the level of sweetness is a bit too much for me on this occasion.
It could do with toning down a little and this would bring it more into line with a classic drinks profile.
Strawberry Peach Lemonade
IVG Says:
Sweet Strawberry and ripe Peach flavour finished off with mouth watering Lemonade flavour.
I Say:
This is a very strong and slightly over powering mixture of flavours. During the inhale an icy cold blast hits the rear of the throat which helps invigorate and refresh the fruity combination.
Plenty of sweetness is drawn into the inhale alongside the Koolada before a dominant candy like Strawberry emerges on the way out.
It’s followed up by the sourness and tartness of the Peach which actually tastes quite ripe and authentic when set against the sweet inspired popular red berry.
The Lemonade is a central theme to the vape and is noticeable throughout, acting as an intermediary between the two fruits. It’s heavily reliant on the cooling agent to maintain its position and does so quite effectively.
So overall the fusion of fruit and beverage works very well. Full kudos to IVG for cramming the taste buds with a tasty mixture of flavours. It’s not always possible with disposable vapes.
Battery Life and Number Of Puffs
The Bar Crystal lasted for an incredible 9 hours. You might not think that’s very impressive but when you consider I’m a chain vaper..
So I can also categorically state the disposables will hold out for 600 puffs and probably more. If you’re a casual vaper they’ll probably last for two maybe three days.
Not too shabby in my opinion.
Final Review Verdict
The Bar Crystal range provide a very effective mouth to lung (MTL) vape. The inhale is very smooth if a little too sweet for me at times. The Koolada effect does become a bit irksome at times but there’s no denying the consistency and flavour quality of the vapes.
IVG have created some decent fruity combinations that very often burst with flavour. There’s more than enough flavours in the range to suit any new vaper – to keep them interested enough and that’s the goal of any manufacturer.
So I’d say IVG have been crystal clear with their intentions.
Have you tried the IVG Bar Crystal Disposable Vapes? If so let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
