Zap Shades Disposable Vapes Review – Nine Shades Of Grey

Today I’m taking a look at nine flavours in the new Zap Shades disposable vapes range.

‘If they can do it, we can do it’.

That was the mentality of Zap company’s director back in 2016. As a small B2C concern she’d grown frustrated at living in the shadows of larger, US vape manufacturers.

Lo and behold, through sheer determination and commitment Zap upgraded their property in the Northwest of England to larger premises – primarily to cater for an improved clean room and R&D facilities.

A lot of disposables have been vaped since and Zap currently find themselves expanding operations to China. After seven years they’re a vape manufacturer at the forefront of innovation within the vaping community.

A manufacturer no longer living in the shadows..

Our very own Mr Neil Humber was the first to review Zap Juice E-liquid back in 2017. He thought they were awesome.

Will I be singing from the same hymn sheet today?

Buy 3 for £12!

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What Can We Expect From the Zap Shades Disposable Vapes?

I think the most significant thing about the Zap Shades disposable vapes is the use of FEELM MAX ceramic coil technology. You can find out more about this tech in our reviews elsewhere on the site.

To cut to the chase, the S1 ceramic coil heats E-liquid more evenly and consistently than traditional wire material. Improved flavour and vapour production should be expected, resulting in a 25% increase to the number of puffs.

The Zap Shades disposables hold 2ml of 50VG/50PG E-liquid, which makes them TPD compliant.

They’re filled with 20mg salt nicotine. Salt nicotine isn’t as harsh on the throat than other forms of nicotine such as freebase. Its absorption is felt almost instantly, so this strength is ideal for a heavier smoker making the transition across.

It’s certainly going to stave off those cravings for a crafty one!

The disposables are powered by a 550mAh integrated battery. That should see the device lasting for anything up to a days use for the average/heavier vaper and possibly 2-3 days for the light/casual user.

We can expect anything up to 600 puffs from each disposable – equivalent to a pack of cigs.

With auto inhale used to activate the device, the Zap Shades disposables are charged and ready to be vaped straight out of the box. They’re single use and once the battery is spent you’ll need to dispose of it. Responsibly, if you please.

There are a total of 10 flavours to choose from in the range and these are mostly fruity affairs. There is a drinks based one included and we can expect an icy cold blast or two along the way.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 16 x 108mm
• Battery capacity: 550mAh
• E-liquid capacity: 2ml
• E-liquid ratio: 50VG/50PG
• Nicotine strength: 20mg (2%) salt nicotine
• Number of puffs: Up to 600
• Activation: Auto draw

Oki doki. It’s time to take a gander at nine flavours in the range. I’ll be looking to see how the FEELM MAX S1 ceramic coil performs and how well flavour is replicated.

What kind of intensity will I get? How sweet is the vape? Is it icy enough? How tight is the MTL vape? How’s vapour production? Does the battery last long enough? And of course, how many puffs do we get?

Questions, questions, questions. Let’s get some answers.

Massive thanks to Vape Club for sending these over for the purposes of review. As always, it’s very much appreciated.

Aloe Grape

Zap Says:

Slightly sweet with a fresh flavour that combines a top note of Aloe and a sweet menthol finish to create a distinct flavour. A palate cleanser with flowery and frosty flavours throughout.

I Say:

No I can’t say there’s anything particularly floral about Aloe Grape. But it does contain major levels of sweetness and lots of bitter back notes.

That’s even before discussing the actual flavour.

I just don’t like it. Yes, you’re going to get plenty of it, if that’s how you perceive Grape. It does vape consistently well from start to finish but I personally find the taste very repulsive.

The taste of Grapes on steroids!

Sometimes the presence of Aloe Vera can do enough to reduce acridity and bitterness but it just doesn’t work on this occasion. In fact I struggle to find where it even comes into play.

Combining bitter notes with Koolada never works for me, either. I’m just left with a burning throat. Guzzling water is the only way to deal with it.

Aloe Grape scores very highly for flavour clarity and consistency but does nothing to change my thoughts on Grape vapes, I’m afraid.

Apple Crush

Zap Says:

Sweet highlights keep things wonderfully fresh, while the fruity tropical finish provides a welcoming contrast. The balance is fantastic, and this uplifting flavour is an excellent all-day vape. In fact, Apple Crush is more of a fruit explosion, and we believe you’ll enjoy every single puff.

I Say:

Not bad but nothing new, either.

The flavour I get is one of extreme sweetness, similar to what you’d expect from a Granny Smith’s but over exaggerated here. That’s my major gripe with Apple Crush.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s definitely packed with flavour and contains a traditional Apple used in countless disposable vapes and it’s a taste I never tire of.

To be fair, that synthetic sweetness will die down towards the end of exhale to leave more of the Apple taste as an after taste so that’s a plus.

It’s just a shame the mouth stinging Koolada and excessive sweetness make up far too much of the overall vaping experience.

The Apple could’ve tasted a lot more juicy otherwise.

Crispy Lush

Zap Says:

Crispy Lush offers wild Strawberries and luscious Watermelon. The extra inclusion of sweet Bubblegum results in a flavour packed vape! Without a question, this is the juiciest of juices.

I Say:

You might not believe it but I actually get Banana as the aftertaste with this one. Crispy Lush represents some very finely tuned blending and that’s sticking my neck out for a disposable vape.

With the majority of the exhale you’re going to be treated to Watermelon. With such blending don’t expect anything particularly natural tasting, though. It’s pretty much the same version used in disposable vapes up and down the land.

The safe route, if you like. The same can be said of Strawberry but I like how it trickles in and out during exhale. Often recognisable, sometimes fading but never disappearing.

The sweeter qualities of the vape are nice. They leave a little tickle on the tongue.

So it’s a blend I can fully appreciate and the flavour concentrates have been applied very effectively.

I do think my taste buds are being tricked into thinking Bubblegum is Banana, though.

.. That’s on me.

Kyoho Grape

Zap Says:

Kyoho Grapes are extremely popular throughout East Asia and are usually set at a high price point. The flavour is similar to Concord Grapes, but it is known to be much more juicier and fresh, with a sweet sugary aftertaste. This disposable will seem familiar yet different, and we believe will become a favourite in the line!

I Say:

I already made my mind up as soon as I whiffed the mouthpiece of Kyoto Grape.

It’s not for me. Remember that is just personal preference and opinion. I’ve yet to uncover a Grape based vape that actually reminds me of.. Grape.

Having said that, it’s not all bad. The initial exhale is tolerable but from then on in, I just can’t stomach the flavour.

It leaves a revolting after taste that’s hard to shift. It makes its way through the nasal cavities and stays there, depositing a bitter sweetness that repulses me, unfortunately.

And that acridity kicks in too, late doors which does nothing to change my overall opinion.

Yes there’s plenty of flavour, sweetness and even sour properties to be found here but sometimes you instinctively know when something is good or bad.

It’s the latter for me, I’m afraid.

.. They say the actual fruit carries a high price point. Fair dues. I have a low tolerance for it in vape format.

Pineapple Slush

Zap Says:

Pineapple Slush offers a wonderfully Tropical taste of zesty iced Pineapple paired with a rich, luscious slushy finish, providing an unbelievable vape that will transport you to another island.

I Say:

Wow! I like this one.

Authenticity from a disposable vape? Can it be?

Yes in the case of Pineapple Slush and this is about as Tropical as a vape gets. There’s plenty of sweetness to carry the flavour along and the tart like qualities run straight through the centre of the exhale.

And flavour consistency plays a vital role with the whole experience. Its Pineapple all the way, baby and it taste incredibly realistic not to mention fresh and lively.

The Koolada may be a touch on the heavy side but I notice it doesn’t create a stinging effect on the throat – even when chain vaping. That’s pleasing.

It does wonders at bringing out the full force of the fruit.

Sweet, tart, vibrant and bright with a splash of ice. That’s Pineapple Slush and I’m digging it.

Wild Berries

Zap Says:

Wild Berries creates its flavour by mixing a foundation of diverse berries with delicate crisp notes, while an exhale reveals a cooling sparkling layer.

I Say:

Quite a natural taste in terms of the mixed berries. You get the full effect upon initial exhale and it’s not a heavily concentrated blend either.

Part of that is due to lower levels of sweetness, allowing the flavour to burst through in a cleaner fashion.

So I’m thinking Raspberry and Blackberry play a major part early on in the vape but then makes way for Blueberry.

Unfortunately I’m not very keen on the after taste created by said Blueberry because it carries an Ammonia like aroma on completion.

Certainly not the best way I like to round off my vape.

But Zap have nailed it with the cooling properties of the vape and that’s something you don’t often see me write.

Kung Fu Cola

Zap Says:

A fizzy soda vape, featuring the authentic flavour of sweet and slightly cool cola.

I Say:

You know exactly what you’re getting with this one and it kicks like Bruce Lee!

There’s concentrated flavour by the vape load and it’s the traditional Cola formula steeped with Vanilla and just a hint of Cinnamon to keep things chugging along.

Slightly citric and with a splash of Lime, Kung Fu Cola works a treat and very much complemented by a soothing, icy cold chill on the inhale.

Thankfully it’s not to brain freezing levels – the intensity of the vape is maintained by the concentrated flavour at all times.

So we get a very effective combination of sweetness, flavour and Koolada all wrapped up in a familiar drinks based vape.

I enjoy a nice Cola vape when possible and this one is as good as it gets.

Passion Mango

Zap Says:

Passion Mango features layered exotic fruit notes. The tangy flavour of passion fruit fuses with the sweet and creamy taste of mango.

I Say:

As creamy as they come. I’m very impressed by the extra smooth inhale it creates.

I have to say that this is one hell of a flavour blend. I’m not quite sure how Zap! have managed this but there’s Passionfruit and Mango in equal measures.

And they harmonise very well indeed – more than I was expecting, to be honest.

A soothing chill of the inhale sets the scene perfectly before these two fruits enter on a wave of creamy goodness.

It could have been harsh tasting, it could have been bitter sweet but the subtle nature of the Passionfruit keeps me coming back for more.

Any rough edges have been dealt with and trust me when I tell you. There’s nothing ammonia tasting about this version of Mango whatsoever.

Passion Mango is clean and fresh tasting and definitely has that ‘one more vape’ likeability.

Tropical Triple

Zap Says:

A fusion of exotic flavours. Juicy kiwi, tangy passion fruit and sweet guava layer throughout each puff.

I Say:

This one is bursting with flavour but I have a slight issue with the sweetness levels.

You know what I’m going to say, don’t you. There’s just a little too much – at least for my particular taste buds.

But it is quite interesting how the Kiwi introduces itself on the inhale, bringing along plenty of tart, tangy properties as it develops across the exhale.

And this is one of those vapes where Guava actually does get a chance to express itself. Yes, still much relatively subtle measure but effective enough to combine with the Kiwi.

The Passionfruit is in there too but takes more of a floral nature on this occasion. More noticeable on the after taste than anything else.

So we get a pleasant fruity combination. There’s certainly more than enough flavour blending going on to satiate my vape needs.

Combined with another cooling hit to the tonsils on the way in, Tropical Triple is a disposable best served during those long, hot Summer months.

Battery Performance and Number of Puffs

The battery performance from these disposables is insane!

I managed to get 11 hours use out of them. Yup! and that equates to a touch under 800 puffs. Considerably more than suggested. That’s incredible from a 550mAh battery.

It performed heroically throughout, never showing signs of lag or flavour degradation as it depleted. Even vapour production held up to the very last puff.

There were maybe one or two drops of E-liquid left in the tank by the time the LED flashed white ten times.

Outstanding!

Final Review Verdict

It does make me wonder if the FEELM MAX ceramic coil carries more of an influence than just providing clean and consistent flavour quality. Does its efficiency help with that humongous number of puffs?

Because flavour holds from the first vape to the last. Trust me. I noticed zero degradation even after 11 hours when the battery finally packed up.

No wetness or spitting from the mouthpiece and not one dry hit over this extended period of time. For performance and reliability I have to rate the Zap Shades disposable as among the very best I’ve tried.

So a special mention has to go to the FEELM MAX ceramic coil. Flavour was intense, bright, clean and very consistent during use. It never let me down once. Delivering the goods at all times.

.. I wonder if theFEELM MAX TOPOWER tech was used with the battery? That could explain increased efficiency too.

To summarise, an absolutely brilliant experience and one that doesn’t disappoint. You have my word on that!

Buy 3 for £12!

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