Entering the world of vaping can be a fun and interesting experience. But first, you'll have to navigate the extensive range of devices and vape juice flavours to find the best one for you.
One of the best ways to do this is by going with some of the biggest and most trusted brands. Thankfully, we're here to help with this. As experts in all things vaping, we make sure you make the right choice.
As one of the most popular vaping brands in the UK, Elf Bar is an excellent place to start on your vaping journey. They're renowned worldwide for their high-quality disposable vape kits. Plus, the wide range of flavours and easy-to-use designs make them the perfect choice for anyone looking to try vaping for the first time. But Elf Bar don’t only make disposables; they also have created some excellent reusable vape kits that have caught our eye.
In this article, we'll compare Elf Bar ELFA vs Mate 500 – two of Elf Bar's most popular refillable and reusable vapes.
The Elf Bar ELFA pod kit and Elf Bar Mate 500 occupy a middle ground between disposables and more advanced reusable vape kits. Both are marketed as mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping devices, offer great value for money and produce less waste than disposables. So, if you’re interested in trying your first vape or upgrading from disposables, which one is best for you? Let’s take a look at the key differences and similarities between the two.
Design
The design of the Elf Bar ELFA pod kit is strikingly similar to that of their disposables. This can be great for people switching over from disposables for the first time, thanks to the familiar and attractive look.
The cylindrical design is 180mm x 16mm, making it easy to carry around in your pocket. However, don't worry about a cheap feel; the construction feels high quality and solid while the matte soft touch material is ergonomically designed for comfort.
On the other hand, the Elf Bar Mate 500 pod device is slightly smaller at 88mm x 29mm with a flat design. This means this device is also an excellent option for those on the go and can fit easily in a pocket or handbag.
With a shiny aluminium finish, the Elf Bar Mate's appearance is more striking than the Elf Bar ELFA pod kit – it looks distinct from the disposable range and stands out more.
Both are available in a range of popular colours, from plain bold to striking ombre. But where Elf Bar's ELFA pod kit has matte finishes, their Mate 500 devices have shiny chrome finishes.
Another big difference between the two is the mouthpiece design. The Elf Bar ELFA pod kit comes with a duckbill mouthpiece, whereas the Elf Bar Mate’s mouthpiece is tapered.
The ELFA pod kit is available in the following colours:
- Aurora Purple
- Orange
- Black
- Navy
- Aurora Blue
- White
On the other hand, the Elf Bar Mate 500 Pod Device is available in the following colours:
- Grey
- Aurora Pink
- Aurora Purple
- Aurora Blue
- Black
- Aurora Yellow
- Aurora Green
- Black Grey
Features
The Elf Bar ELFA pod kit has a buttonless design and is draw-activated. While more seasoned vapers might want a range of features, the simplicity of this design means it's easy for beginners.
The USB port makes charging easy, and pre-filled pods remove the need for tricky maintenance.
Similar to the ELFA pod kit, the Elf Bar Mate 500 features a buttonless design and automatic draw activation, making it easy for beginners to use. It can also be charged via a USB port.
A particularly nice touch of the Elf Bar Mate’s is the LED light that glows beneath the logo when charging or being inhaled.
Additionally, both devices share the similarity of having static air holes to maintain a steady airflow for a smooth MTL vaping experience.
Pods
Elf Bar ELFA prefilled pods contain 2ml of nic salt vape juice and 20mg of nicotine. These pods come in over 30 flavour profiles to suit your specific taste. Some of the most popular flavours available in these prefilled pods include:
- Juicy Peach
- Blueberry Bubble Gum
- Pink Lemonade
- Blueberry Cotton Candy
- Strawberry Ice Cream
- Wild Orange
- Cherry Cola
Elf Bar Mate pods also contain 2ml of nic salt vape juice and 20mg strength options. Plus, changing your Elf Bar Mate 500 prefilled pod is easy thanks to the magnetic connection that allows for quick removal and change.
Similar to the ELFA pods, Elf Bar Mate P1 prefilled pods offer a huge range of over 30 flavour profiles, including:
- Blue Razz Cherry
- Cream Tobacco
- Spearmint
- Watermelon Bubblegum
- Strawberry Banana
- Bamboo Aloe
- Razz Lychee
If you're trying to quit smoking or have used the disposable range of Elf Bars, the extensive collection of flavours available with their pod systems offers a great alternative.
Coils
Both of these Elf Bar devices offer a great way for people to enjoy the value of reusable vapes without all the fuss that comes with replacing coils. You won't need to worry about refilling as these pods have fixed coils and come prefilled – so no messy changes!
The Elf Bar ELFA pod kit range uses a mesh coil pod which will provide you with great performance. Mesh coils heat a larger surface, meaning you'll enjoy more intense flavours. These coils heat evenly and are therefore less likely to burn out quickly.
The Elf Bar Mate 500, on the other hand, uses a dual coil system, with the 1.2 ohm dual coil providing a long-lasting, fresh flavour experience.
Battery Life
In terms of battery, the two models are almost identical. Both the Elf Bar Mate 500 and the Elf Bar ELFA pod kit come with a 500mAh battery – the same found in their disposable vapes. The main difference here is that the pod kits can be recharged. So, rather than discarding the device and buying a new one as you would with disposables, vapers can simply connect it to its charger and it's ready to be enjoyed again.
The batteries of both will typically last for around 600 puffs. Charging is relatively quick with a full charge achievable within 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the cable you use.
Performance
The performance of the Elf Bar ELFA pod kit and Elf Bar Mate 500 are designed to suit the mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping style, providing a smooth and satisfying vaping experience. With a 2ml capacity for 20mg nic-salt vape juice, both devices deliver an ideal nicotine hit to satisfy cravings.
The Elf Bar ELFA pod kit is fitted with mesh coils that enhance the flavour profile of the vape juice and offer a smooth and consistent vaping experience. In contrast, the Elf Bar Mate 500 uses a dual coil to maximise the longevity and freshness of the flavour.
What's more, both devices offer an excellent range of flavours to choose from, ensuring that vapers can customise their vaping experience to suit their tastes.
The Verdict?
Choosing between the Elf Bar ELFA pod kit and Elf Bar Mate 500 will typically come down to personal choice. Both devices share the same battery size, feature sleek designs, and offer excellent flavours. Plus, they'll both comfortably fit in your pocket.
Elf Bar ELFA pods are a slightly more convenient and easy-to-use option, but there really isn't much difference. If you're looking for a pod kit with a greater selection of flavours, the Elf Bar Mate 500 is ideal.
For novice vapers or those who prefer a smoother throat hit, either of these pod kits will be suitable as they are tailored for MTL vaping.
Overall, the features, coupled with the choice of flavours, make for an enjoyable vaping experience no matter which Elf Bar device you choose.
If you're new to vaping or want to explore an extensive range of vape kits, we can help! Here at Vaping 101, we offer a great selection of the best vape products on the market and are happy to help with any questions you might have. Don’t forget, you can contact us any time if you have any question or queries relating to the world of vaping. Enjoy!
