The SKE Crystal 4 in 1 pod kit promises to be a clever alternative for disposable vape fans!
The “SKE” name stands for “Speed Skier Extreme” which is the inspiration for the brand and they say…
“the e-cigarette brand SKE, was born in a sea of ice and snow, like a pathfinder full of adventurous spirit and pioneering character”
We have reviewed some of their products before – with the Crystal Bar, SKE Amare Crystal One disposable vapes plus the Crystal Plus rechargeable disposable and the Crystal Nic Salt e-liquid range.
In fact the 4 in 1 pod kit uses the same flavours as the rest of the Crystal range – so if you have a favourite you already know where to start!
Thank you to Vape Club for sending these over for review! I will report back honestly on my experience with the device provided.
Plus of course flavours will always be a personal thing. So my aim is to concentrate on whether the flavours are a true representation and match the description.
Time to get stuck in!!
What Can We Expect From The SKE Crystal 4 in 1 Pod Kit?
This is targeted to those who like a disposable vape but thankfully promises the ease of use without the waste.
Inside the main device (mod) is a 950mAh rechargeable battery, charging via the USB Type C port.
You insert 4 pods into the device. The pods hold 2ml of pre-filled nic salt (20mg strength) e-liquid plus each pod has its own coil.
When the pods are empty simple buy new ones and replace. Therefore the only disposable items are the pods themselves as the battery can be reused.
As there are 4x 2ml pods the total capacity is 8ml which SKE state should allow up to 2400 puffs. This also meets the TPD regulations as there is only 2ml in each pod.
With each pod containing its own coil – each time you replace the pod you are getting a new coil. Some of the extended use devices only have one coil which is fixed in the device and is not replaceable. A fixed coil will fail eventually and therefore reduce the service life. But the service life here will be until the device actually stops working.
To change between pods / flavours just rotate the barrel and the selected flavour will show through the window in the side of the device.
It is super simple to use – just inhale on the mouthpiece and the auto draw system will fire up automatically!
When it comes to the kits you have various options.
Mixed flavour kits:
- Red Edition includes: Watermelon Ice, Watermelon Strawberry, Pink Lemonade and Melon Berry pods
- Blue Edition includes: Blueberry Sour Raspberry, Cola Ice, Blueberry Raspberries and Blueberry Peach pods
- Green Edition includes: Lemon & Lime, Blueberry Lime, Fruit Medley and Lychee Ice pods
- Rose Edition includes: Cherry Ice, Strawberry Burst, Fizzy Cherry and White Peach Razz pods
- White Edition includes: Watermelon Ice, Watermelon Strawberry, Pink Lemonade and Melon
Or you can buy kits with 4 pods of the same flavour:
- Blueberry Lime Kit
- Blue Sour Raspberry Kit
- Cherry Ice Kit
- Lemon & Lime Kit
- Tropical Mix Kit
- Watermelon Ice Kit
Plus there are 16 flavour packs of replaceable pods to choose from:
- Blueberry Peach
- Blueberry Raspberries
- Blueberry Sour Raspberry
- Blue Razz Lemonade
- Cherry Ice
- Cola Ice
- Fizzy Cherry
- Lemon & Lime
- Lychee Ice
- Melon Berry
- Pink Lemonade
- Strawberry Burst
- Tropical Mixed
- Watermelon Ice
- Watermelon Strawberry
- White Peach Razz
Kit Includes
Note: There is no charging cable included – you will need a USB Type C cable.
- SKE Crystal 4 in 1 device
- 4 pods
- Instructions
SKE Crystal 4 in 1 Pod Kit Specs
- Size: 80x30x55mm approx. (including top cap)
- Output: Not specified
- Battery: 950mAh (internal)
- Display: LED indicator
- E-liquid capacity: 2ml (4 pods with 2ml each = 8ml total)
- USB Type C port
- Pods: Pre-filled pods available in packs of 4
- Draw activation
- 600 puffs to each pod
- 16 flavour pod packs to choose from
- Use 4 flavours in one device
- 20mg Nic Salt strength
Design and Build Quality
I received the Green Edition and Rose Edition kits.
These come in a chunky box which has all the information you would need.
I am very happy to see batch numbers and expiry dates printed on the box. This reassures me that there are tracking and quality standards in place.
Make sure to scratch off the authenticity checker panel and check the kit is genuine by scanning the QR code on the side of the box with your phone camera.
Or you can input the 14 digit code into the website here. This number is case sensitive – so use capital letters where they are shown.
When you open the box you are faced with a cardboard top panel, lift this up and it is the instruction manual. It is great for showing you how to get started but lacking info on how to charge and any fault displays.
Inside the box you will find the device wrapped in a plastic wrapper. This also has the setup diagrams printed on.
You will also find in the box the 4 separate flavour pods all individually packaged to keep the flavour fresh and prevent tampering or leakage.
Everything arrived in pristine condition so the packaging is doing its job!
SKE Crystal 4 in 1 Mod
The main shell of the mod is a transparent plastic construction. It doesn’t look high-end but that is not the market in which SKE are aiming for here.
The battery section and pod section are coloured according to which version of the device you have chosen. I love the bright vibrant colours.
Looking at the front you will see the “SKE CRYSTAL 4 in 1” logo printed on in White.
On the rear are the required Legal logos, battery type (18350) and power specifications.
The battery is not removable and it sits in a cylinder with a gradient finish and a matching coloured top face.
Pod Section
The pod section has a rotatable barrel which has cut outs to show the name of the installed pods.
You turn this barrel to align the required flavour with the small (and hard to see) arrow on the side of the mod. I have marked the arrow in the image above.
For me the barrel was very stiff to turn (I do have poor grip though) and it is a bit “creaky” – it does feel a bit cheapo. I have demonstrated this in the video below – but I make it look harder as I am trying to do it one handed!
Inside the pod section are 4 compartments which guide you to the correct way to install the pod. You will need to make sure the electrical connector on each pod points down towards the pod base.
If you look into the chamber you will see the electrical connector which makes contact with the pod rotated into that position.
Top Of The Mod
Above the pod section is the removable mouthpiece top cap. This has a gasket below which matches the colour of the pod area.
The mouthpiece is quite chunky but only around 1/3 of it actually channels any vapour? It is a very strange layout.
On top of the mod around the edge of the mouthpiece cap are the padlock symbols for locked and unlocked. You rotate the cap to align with these symbols.
Turn to the unlocked symbol to remove the cap to replace the pods and turn to the locked symbol to lock the cap back into position. When replacing the cap push down on it gently and it will drop when in the correct position where you can then turn it to the locked symbol.
Also there are holes for use with a Lanyard – but there is not one included in the kit.
Mod Base
The base of the mod is metal – what type of metal I am not sure but it is magnetic so some kind of Steel I assume. This is a fingerprint magnet BTW – which you might see on some of my photos – sorry!
Turn the device over and you will see the USB Type C port, a small LED and the airflow inlet.
The LED location is a bit rubbish as you cannot see it when vaping at all.
Pods
The pods come in packs of four and are quite long. They are shaped like a quadrant – a section of circle.
At the top of each pod is a kind of collar. This engages with the gasket in the top cap of the mod and is where the vapour passes through to the mouthpiece.
On the base of the pod are 2 electrical contacts and an airflow inlet hole.
Once side of the pod has printing and it shows the nicotine strength, capacity, flavour, SKE logo and required legal markings.
They are very easy to install and slip easily into the compartments in the device. However sometimes when removing the cap the pods can stay attached to the gasket on the underside.
Quick Start Guide
The device arrives without the pods installed. You will need to unpack and install all the pods. It is worth popping the device on charge too if you can!
I contacted SKE to ask about the charging situation. What happens whilst it is charging? How do you know it is fully charged?
My issue was that when I plugged it into charge the White LED came on. I left it for 2 and 3 hours and still exactly the same.
SKE responded with the following…
“When the vape is charging,the LED shows red.When the charge is finished,the LED shows white.(The LED is next to the charging port).”
Basic Operation
- Power On/Off: there is no on or off function.
- Vaping: inhale on the mouthpiece and the device will fire automatically.
- Battery indicator: The LED on the base of the mod will flash Red when the battery needs charging.
- Charging status: When fully charged the LED on the base turns white and stays on.
Protections
I have no idea if there are any protections on here as the instructions do not mention any!
How To Charge The Battery
- Insert the small end of a USB Type C cable into the charge port of the device.
- Insert the large end of the cable into a suitable USB outlet.
- Leave to charge. Whilst charging the LED will light up in Red and when fully charged will turn White.
How To Replace the Pods
- Turn the mouthpiece until the arrow on the top cap aligns with the unlocked symbol.
- Lift up the mouthpiece section.
- Remove the pods if installed.
- Insert new pods with the electrical connectors facing down into the device.
- Replace the mouthpiece cover (make sure it is aligned correctly) and rotate until the arrow aligns with the locked symbol.
- Start vaping!
How To Change Flavour
- Rotate the barrel until the preferred flavour is aligned with the arrow on the top.
SKE Crystal 4 in 1 Pod Kit Performance
I was given the Green Edition and Rose Edition kits for review.
So I will break them down into flavours first and then review the device performance.
Sadly the SKE website does not have any flavour descriptions – so I have taken these from the Vape Club website!
Green Edition
This kit contains 4 flavours…
- Lemon & Lime
- Blueberry Lime
- Tropical Mixed
- Lychee Ice
Lemon & Lime
Vape Club Say:
“Lemon Lime combines zesty Lemon with zingy Lime notes for a tangy vape.”
I Say:
This is always a good flavour to have on hand as a palate cleanser between different flavours.
The first thing you notice is the icy cold blast which is quite strong. In fact I think this dulls some of the flavour as it takes a while to register.
You only get the flavour on the exhale and it is a bit muted. Perhaps the cooling numbs some of the tastebuds?
On the exhale it is hard to pick out the single Lemon or Lime flavour, but it is a well crafted blend where both flavours are in harmony.
I just wish the cooling was toned down with this flavour as it does spoil a well balanced pair of fruity tones.
Blueberry Lime
Vape Club Say:
“Blueberry Lime contrasts a sweet Blueberry flavour with sharp Lime notes.”
I Say:
This flavour is pretty much mainly Blueberry on the exhale and inhale. There is a very faint tinge of Lime in the background.
The lime just takes the edge off the Blueberry sweetness to bring something refreshing.
There is a slight hint of cooling but very faint but again enhances the refreshing quality of this pod.
A very yummy blend indeed, ideal for those who dislike a very sweet vape!
Tropical Mixed
Vape Club Say:
(Vape Club called this flavour – Fruit Medley? But the images clearly show Tropical Mixed)
“brings together a juicy assortment of sweet and tart mixed fruits.”
I Say:
This indeed is a medley of fruits, so well blended it is hard to pick out what it is composed of!
I think I get some Pineapple, but other than that it is a happy harmony of fruity yumminess.
This is not at all helpful I do understand – but it is very tasty and the very gentle subtle cooling freshens it up.
Although the individual fruits are not distinctive it is by no means a mess at all. Think of it as an expertly blended cocktail of fruity goodness! If it was food I bet you would get all of your “5 a day“!
Lychee Ice
Vape Club Say:
“Lychee Ice cools down the exotic sweetness of Lychee with a cold hit of ice.”
I Say:
Yes this is unmistakably Lychee. I always find that Lychee vapes remind me of Shampoo and there is no difference here.
If you are a Lychee fan this tastes exactly how I was expecting – so full marks for the flavouring used – even if it is not to my taste.
The cooling is slightly strong here, but not too uncomfortable – it does add the much needed freshness.
Rose Edition
This kit contains 4 flavours…
- Cherry Ice
- Fizzy Cherry
- Strawberry Burst
- White Peach Razz
Cherry Ice
Vape Club Say:
“Cherry Ice freezes the dark notes of Cherry with a frosty finish.”
I Say:
Yummy – absolutely delicious!
It reminds me of the soft Jelly Lip shaped sweets – I could vape this all day long!
There is an icy element, but it is not extreme and has been blended perfectly. Sometimes I find too much cooling to be uncomfortable but this is just perfect.
A 10/10 from me!
Fizzy Cherry
Vape Club Say:
“Fizzy Cherry captures the flavour of Cherryade soda, complete with tart and sparkling notes.”
I Say:
This flavour is more tart than the Cherry Ice and is kind of a Cherry flavour mixed with Lemonade.
You get the lovely sweet Cherry initially, then it evolves into a citrus tang and on the exhale the Cherry kicks back in.
I do quite like this, but not as much as the Cherry Ice. This is more for those who prefer a slightly sour flavour.
Strawberry Burst
Vape Club Say:
“Strawberry Burst delivers the sweet and juicy taste of Strawberry from start to finish.”
I Say:
I am not a happy bunny with this flavour unfortunately.
Firstly the cooling seems to dull any flavour. Then on the exhale it has a slightly burnt taste with a synthetic Strawberry backnote.
Not a great one this – perhaps the pod is faulty hence the Rubbery / Cotton vibe. Not good.
White Peach Razz
Vape Club Say:
“White Peach Razz counters the sweetness of juicy White Peach with tangy Raspberry notes.”
I Say:
This is a more complex flavour profile than some of the others having 2 separate components.
On the inhale the Peach is the most prominent, it is slightly sour but very fresh and clear. As the vapour stays on your tongue and during the exhale the sweeter Raspberry kicks in.
I am not a huge fan of this flavour as it does taste very synthetic with a plastic-y aftertaste left after exhale.
Airflow
On a scale of 0-10 (0= fully closed and 10 = like breathing fresh air) I would rate the resistance around 5 – so not a tight MTL inhale. It could work as an RDL vape though.
Those wanting a tight MTL (like smoking a cigarette) might find this a bit too airy.
We tell you what the terms MTL and DTL mean in our Guide To Vape Styles.
Leaks?
Not a dribble – which is to be expected with sealed pre-filled pods.
Performance
The auto draw firing is very quick and no other issues to report!
Battery / Pod Life
Sadly at the point of writing I have not finished a pod or used a full battery charge – so I will update this review when I have!
Pros
- As the replacement pods contain coils, this device should last longer as you are replacing the coil each time with a new pod.
- Rechargeable battery with a great battery capacity – similar devices often have half the capacity
- Clever design with beautiful bright colour options
- Plenty of flavour options
- Quite easy to use (instructions could be improved)
- Ideal sustainable replacement for a disposable vape
Cons
- Hard to turn the flavour selector barrel and it feels a bit “creaky”
- Small LED indicator is on base which is hard to see when vaping
- No battery level indicator – it only informs you when the battery needs charging – could do with an earlier warning
- Instructions are brief – good for first set up but no guide to charging or any fault conditions.
- No USB cable or lanyard included – but this does help to keep the price low
- It does have a “budget” appearance – but for the price it is to be expected
- Airflow is a loose MTL / RDL style – which might not suit those wanting a tighter airflow and it cannot be adjusted.
- One pod (Strawberry Burst) had a slight burnt flavour so might be faulty.
Final Review Verdict
The price of this does dictate the quality to expect. It is perfectly functional and aesthetically SKE have elevated the appearance the best that they can within the price point.
But there are a few areas which feel a bit “budget”. Rotating the pod barrel feels clumsy and is quite hard to turn. In general it works as it should but don’t expect anything fancy. Also there is no USB cable or Lanyard – however this is to help keep the price down.
These kits are targeted to people who use disposable vapes and may not be used to vape kits, so I feel the instructions need to cover more about what might occur during use.
Some extended use disposables have fixed coils which cannot be replaced, therefore the working life of the kit is limited until the coil stops working or gives out a burnt flavour.
But the SKE Crystal 4 in 1 is a true pod kit.
Each pod has a new coil so you are not restricted by the coil failing. Here you can use the kit until the device stops working so it is very sustainable. I am not sure about the long term quality as it is quite a budget kit, but due to the design having a rechargeable battery and new coils included in the replacement pods, it will outlast many similar style kits.
This is not up to the quality of a more expensive pod kit such as the OXVA Xlim Pro or Voopoo Argus G2 for instance, but this is in essence half the price. If you could get 6 months usage out of this kit it would pay back any investment you made. I am sure you would have spent a huge amount more and created a lot more waste if you bought the equivalent disposable vapes during that time.
The SKE Crystal 4 in 1 is a huge step forward in sustainability whilst providing the flavour, simplicity and experience people love about a disposable vape.
