Today we’re taking a look at the brand new SKE Amare Crystal ONE disposable vapes.
SKE were founded way back in 2013 in Shenzhen, China. Up until very recently I hadn’t actually heard of them.
It seems I should have though because they’re recognised as one of the world’s leading E-cig brands with disposables sold in over 50 countries worldwide.
And right now it looks likes their eyes are firmly fixed on UK shores. Which is how I finally came to know of them. Just take a look at our SKE Crystal Bar review for more details.
They mean business over here in good old Blighty because they attended the recent Vaper Expo at the NEC in Birmingham.
Among others the SKE Crystal Amare ONE disposable was on show. So if you were unable to attend, fear not.
We’ll let you know what we think of them right here.
What Can We Expect From the SKE Amare Crystal ONE Disposable Vapes?
Erm.. Probably one of the smallest, most compact disposable vapes I’ve stumbled across.
Think Lost Mary BM600 only not as wide – and they’re small enough!
So you’ll have no issues slipping this in a shirt, trouser pocket or handbag. I’m actually very impressed and this design may well be the shape of things (pun intended) to come.
This unassuming little disposable has a 500mAh integrated battery and the incorporated ASIC chip provides a consistent output to ensure we get anything up to 600 flavoursome puffs.
The range is of course TPD compliant which means an E-liquid capacity of 2ml and it looks like they’re only currently available in 20mg salt nicotine strength.
Still, this does make them highly suited to the newer vaper, struggling to quit a smoking habit of 20 cigs a day.
If you’re one of these people its worthwhile knowing that salt nicotine is the easiest way to make a successful transition. That’s because it’s absorbed into the blood stream very efficiently – instantly tackling those cravings for a smoke.
You’ll also benefit from a very smooth inhale and since the Crystal Amare One disposable is designed for a MTL (Mouth To Lung) vape, the draw from a cig is perfectly emulated.
Finally, they’re ready to vape straight out of the box. Simply inhale on the mouthpiece and you’re good to go.
.. Just don’t forget to remove the silicone bung from the mouthpiece and sticker from the bottom. You’re going to look a bit silly otherwise..
SKE have an extensive range of flavours available and 25 fruity, beverage style ones are included in the Amare Crystal ONE line up.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 63.5 x 32.4 x 18.4mm
- E-liquid capacity: 2ml
- E-liquid ratio: 50VG/50PG
- Nicotine strength: 20mg salt nicotine
- Coil: Mesh 1.1ohm
- Battery capacity: 500mAh
- Puffs: Up to 600
- Activation: Auto draw
Massive thanks to Vape Club for sending these over for the purpose of review. It’s very much appreciated.
Ok, let’s check ’em out for flavour intensity, replication, vapour production and airflow restriction.
I’ll also let you know if the ASIC chip holds up to its end of the bargain. Do we get 600 puffs?
Blue Razzle Cherry
SKE Says:
Tart Blueberry paired with sweet Cherry flavours on the inhale, which are enhanced by tangy Raspberry highlights for the perfect fruity finish.
I Say:
It’s a bit sulphuric tasting for my liking so I don’t really pick out a great deal of the tartness from the Raspberry. But it’s a grower!
That initial reaction to the taste does subside and is replaced with the sweetness from the Cherry.
As you might imagine from a disposable it’s still heavily artificial in flavour. I really do struggle to find much of any Blueberry. What little I can is quickly buried beneath a dominant Raspberry.
Yet there’s still something quite appealing to the overall taste. The Cherry weaves and bobs throughout the exhale being more reminiscent of those found in Bakery based E-liquid flavours.
You could say it’s the Cherry on the Icing of the Cake?
Expect the vaping experience to be underpinned by a throat soothing icy chill.
Not too bad.
Cherry Ice
SKE Says:
Capturing sweet bold Cherry flavours that dominate the flavour throughout and are mildly cooled with hints of ice for the perfect fresh finish.
I Say:
This isn’t working for me, at all.
It just doesn’t taste that much like Cherry and given the simplicity of the profile, that’s not good.
Again this is another sweet heavy vape but will no doubt have its fan base if that’s the hook. As for me? It just adds to my woes.
Too much sweetener, an ineffective tasting fruit and oodles of Koolada means that Cherry Ice is all over the place when it comes to flavour replication.
It seems to start promisingly enough on the inhale but quickly falls apart with the actual taste experience.
I’m almost inclined to think SKE have tried to add something else to the mix. I can’t quite understand how a highly popular flavour can translate so oddly for want of a better word.
Also, be prepared for the sweetness of the vape to line the tongue. It’s quite concentrated in this respect.
Cherry Peach Lemonade Fizzle
SKE Says:
A bold Cherry and juicy Peach flavour on the inhale, followed by a fizzy Lemonade after taste on the exhale.
I Say:
This is something of an oddity when it comes to flavour. To be honest, everything in this disposable has a bit of a lacklustre edge.
I think the only thing holding this one together is the fizz.
It works – but maybe a little too effectively for my particular taste buds. That does mean all the actual flavour gets put on the back burner.
The Cherry isn’t as striking as that of Blue Razzle Cherry and tastes rather flat in comparison. The Lemonade is even further back in the vape.
It may well be that SKE have deliberately dumbed down the concentrates used. Let’s face it. For a disposable vape it’s something of a change.
And the sweetness levels have been significantly reduced which means there’s a distinct lack of juiciness to be found.
I’m just left feeling that more emphasis has been given to that fizz and the cooling agent.
Double Apple Explosion
SKE Says:
Crisp Green Apple flavours with sour highlights, that dominate the flavour throughout creating a perfectly fresh finish.
I Say:
I can smell the crisp Apple as soon as I tear apart the sealing baggie, such is its potency.
The cooling inhale is quite impressive as it doesn’t eclipse the resulting flavour on the way out. However, there is much more sweetness throughout and gives the game away in terms of being a disposable vape.
And that does take the shine off what is in essence quite an enjoyable Apple vape.
I’m not exactly sure what’s meant by the term ‘double Apple’ and there’s nothing to indicate a blending of two varieties but the taste is certainly there.
It’s quite a simple, straight forwards take on the popular fruit and isn’t likely to disappoint if you’re a fan.
Shame it had to be carrying so much sweetness though as it hangs off the palate in an obtrusive fashion. It’s not necessary, in my opinion.
Lemon & Lime
SKE Says:
Citrusy notes of sweet Lemons on the inhale topped with zingy Lime highlights creating a perfectly balanced taste.
I Say:
Nice. With a slice of Lemon.
You’re getting what you’ve paid for with Lemon and Lime. Although there are a few niggles with the overall flavour properties.
Put simply, it’s just not zesty enough for me. I like Lemon to be ‘in the face’. To draw my backside up into my elbow! It just doesn’t happen here.
It’s certainly a refreshing enough vape (almost but not quite – ruined by a distracting Koolada) and the Lime gently seeps through beneath the Lemon in a subtle way.
In fact the mix of the two main ingredients is fine. I just miss the citric, sharp nature of the real thing, I guess. And I know this profile can be boosted beyond what’s delivered.
It’s an age old formula and one that’s been done time and again. Maybe I was expecting too much but it’s nice to be surprised now and again.
Pineapple Ice
SKE Says:
Capturing exotic Pineapple flavours that are balanced with hints of ice for a perfect fresh finish.
I Say:
I get a nice chill on the inhale with Pineapple Ice. Not too intense, nothing tonsil bashing and just how I like it.
Some of the sweeter elements arrive during the inhale too, setting things up nicely for the flavour that jumps forth.
This Pineapple isn’t your natural tasting fruit but does have the appeal of a Pineapple Cube hard sweet – without the tooth loss.
And the blending between this single flavour and the Koolada is perfectly pitched.
There’s still a juicy quality to be found as well but maybe I’m being fooled into that by the level of sweetness. Whatever’s the case it works well.
I often feel fruit vapes are at their best when used singularly. Pineapple Ice is a prime example.
Crack this one out during the hot Summer months. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Battery Performance and Number of Puffs
Battery performance was about what I’d expect from a 500mAh integrated battery. The ASIC chip did perform admirably well, delivering a consistent taste every vape.
However, you will notice a slight degradation to flavour just before the battery fails.
The single White LED on the base (which radiates up through the lower body of the disposable) will blink ten times when it’s game (or vape) over.
I managed 7 hours continuous use from the disposables. During this time I was vaping both MTL and RDL styles.
Since those restrictive lung pulls were anything in the region of double the puffs of a MTL I would suggest these disposables are indeed capable of 600 puffs.
Final Review Verdict
The SKE Amare Crystal ONE disposables are extremely reliable vapes. I had no issues while using them and they’re quite a rare breed for me. It was equally as easy to RDL tug as it was to MTL vape.
They’re obviously designed for the latter and using them to draw upon like cigarette will be second nature to the newer vaper.
Vapour production was on par, again emulating the smoke from a cigarette so no problems there either.
Flavour quality was a mixed bag for me. At times it impressed, other times I was left scratching my head – wondering why there needed to be quite so much sweetness.
Generally speaking the cooling agent was OK although I think it’s been added with the casual, infrequent vaper in mind. That’s because its presence can become dominant and over bearing if chain vaping.
So, not a bad effort in my opinion but I came away from the range thinking more of the stonking design and build quality. Stealth vapers are going to love the SKE Amare Crystal ONE disposables for this reason alone.