Despite being a relatively new manufacturer, Nevoks are experiencing a meteoric rise in popularity due to the simple design and easy use of their pod kits. One of their ranges only recently saw a new release in the form of the widely-loved Feelin AX Kit, which has now in turn been followed by the Feelin AR Kit, the subject of this review.
I had the chance to review the Feelin AX and really enjoyed the convenience and longevity provided by its build and battery design. I’m also keen to see whether the Feelin AR can provide me with the same satisfaction despite its even further scaled-back design.
MIST’s Verdict
Review Summary: While it mostly stands as a more reduced and simplified version of the recently released AX, aspects such as automatic wattage assignment and lack of display screens may make it more attractive to some vapers.
Review Disclosure: Nevoks were kind enough to send me my review Feelin AR unit. However, I will state for the record that this is an impartial review influenced solely by my own experience as a longtime vaper and as someone who works in the vaping industry, having tried hundreds of different devices.
Video Review
Packaging and Labels
The packaging design is one of the first hints I get that the Feelin AR may be a slightly more budget-conscious iteration of the AX. Instead of the fancy book-style unfolding box I received before, this time, it’s a simple, colourful cardboard box with a picture of the device on the front beneath the logo and name, a contents list, and the usual company contact info printed on the back.
The top of the box opens up allowing me to slide out a thin white plastic frame that holds the device. The A1 pod is already inserted with a sticker on the pod base to prevent an electrical connection from occurring prior to purchase. The included USB-C charging cable is nestled in the hollow area on the base of the plastic. The box also includes a thin user manual and an information card regarding A1 Pod compatibilities and appropriate wattage setting for respective ohmages.
Being what I assume to be a more price-conscious vape kit, the device doesn’t come with a spare pod beyond the included 0.8ohm unit. However, the inclusion of a USB-C cable is a nice touch, as many cheaper kits forgo this entirely on the assumption that you already own at least one.
Build Quality
Score: 4/5
The Feelin AR has a very snug and tight pen build, which I can comfortably grip in my palm. It is even lighter to carry than the AX, weighing only 38.8g. This is once again thanks to the use of an aluminium alloy, though there’s a slight addition to the AR’s build that stands out noticeably.
The battery has been given a gently baked finish, giving it a brushed matte feel which slides comfortably against my fingers. Aluminium can often be a little ‘tinny’ to grip, but this design aspect makes it much more pleasant to hold in regards to sensory impact. This may not be a huge deal to some, but I’m a bit particular about the feel of surfaces, particularly those I intend to be gripping most of the day, so believe me when I say it’s something I notice and approve of!
The ‘front’ of the vape, if there is such a thing, features two thin channels that run down the full length of the battery, ensconcing the Nevoks logo at the bottom and the LED power indicator situated in the middle.
As the AR doesn’t feature manual power adjustment, an OLED screen would be a waste of power, so the triple-coloured LED does a fine job of giving you a quick impression of where your charge levels are. And I can appreciate that some vapers who prefer a more austere aesthetic may prefer the less eye-catching bead of light to a digital display screen.
The vape’s ‘back’ is smooth and features a glossy FEELIN logo near the bottom, which is quite pleasant to run your thumb over when holding it. It’s probably not something Nevoks had in mind, but you know a fidgeter like me’s going to pick up on that kind of minutiae.
The sides of the battery unit are similar to the AX in featuring an airflow control slider and USB-C charging port respectively. Once again the airflow slider has a comfortable and low-profile stud to assist in accurate setting placement, which gave me total control over how much vapour my kit produced.
Performance
Score: 3/5
In terms of performance, the Nevoks Feelin AR provides a very similar, if slightly more stripped-back experience, as it’s a slightly more advanced older sibling. However, ‘stripped-back’ can also be interpreted as ‘streamlined.’
The kit eschews any power buttons to instead provide a solely draw-activated functionality, firing up the moment you begin puffing through the inserted A1 Pod. There’s no detectable delay between inhale and ignition either, so it feels very similar to the sensation of smoking a cigarette or, perhaps more in line with today’s nicotine fan, drawing from a disposable vape.
In fact, its buttonless design makes it a good choice for anyone who’s looking to move away from disposable vapes and towards a more budget-friendly and environmentally conscious refillable kit lifestyle.
Ultimately, I choose to give the Feelin AR a middling score for its performance. While it’s very satisfying, it doesn’t do anything in its use-function to stand apart from the crowd. But don’t take that as a criticism; it’s a reliable device that does what you need it to.
Ease of Use
Score: 5/5
Full marks for ease of use! The Feelin AR feels specifically designed for users who are either entirely new to refillable vape kits or simply long-timers who don’t want to be bogged down with concerns over wattage settings and digital readouts of battery, puff count, etc.
As mentioned above, using the Feelin AR feels a lot like using a disposable vape, but with the added benefit of being able to recharge, refill, and eventually replace the pod.
The battery indication LED does a fine job of letting you know when it’s time to give it a plugin, though admittedly, it can be hard to tell how much battery you have left when you’ve only just noticed a scarlet light shining out from the face of the device.
But refilling through the side hatch of the pod is easy, and disposable pods are always a bit more convenient than messy coil changes, even if they can cost slightly more. And changing the airflow settings is super simple thanks to the low-profile stud on the slider.
Battery Life
Score: 4/5
The Feelin AR’s battery has a 1000mAh capacity, which is honestly about what you’d expect with a kit of this size and type. I found it large enough to keep me vaping for most of a day. Keep in mind that I’m lucky enough to have a job that allows me to vape at my desk without interruption, so those used to taking vape breaks outside won’t find it flagging too soon.
While it’s a shame not to see the 1500mAh battery of the Feelin AX make a return, it’s understandable in a cheaper, more streamlined kit.
But a standout feature of the Feelin AR lies in it’s stable output technology. It’s common for vapes to start flagging as the battery nears depletion, but the Nevoks kit will fire at a consistent rate of power regardless of battery levels, only stopping once the power has been completely emptied. It’s a great feature as I’ve often gotten frustrated with a vape I’ve forgotten to charge giving me unsatisfactory hits until I can find a charging station. I feel that this aspect raises the score up to a more than respectable 4-5 for battery life.
Flavour Output
Score: 4/5
I found the Feelin AR’s flavour to be rich and enticing. While the device itself does little to influence the flavour of the vapour, Nevoks have put effort into producing excellent coils for the compatible A1 Pods. High-grade wire is used to construct the vertical meshes that act as heating elements, which provide a wider surface area and result in fewer instances of burnt wicks.
The wicks themselves are made with cotton which has been selected for its neutrality, ensuring that no taste impurities are conveyed into your vape juice. While the pods haven’t been specifically designed for standout flavour, I found the longevity of the internal coils resulting in good tastes that lasted longer. Nevoks even goes so far as to claim that each pod can withstand up to 30ml of e-liquid before requiring disposal, which is a laudable and high-value form of pod and coil design.
Summary
I really enjoyed using the Nevoks Feelin AR Kit! While it mostly stands as a more reduced and simplified version of the recently released AX, aspects such as automatic wattage assignment and lack of display screens may make it more attractive to some vapers. And that’s to say nothing of the lower pricetag.
The MIST Favourite Feature:
- Stable Output Tech: I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to know that even at 15% or 10% charge, the kit will deliver the same levels of vapour and flavour as a fully charged kit. It’s a feature that I frankly believe should become commonplace in all vapes from here on out.
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