In the case of vape shops and websites, there is no shortage of options when it comes to disposable e-cigs. Brands such as Elf Bar, Geek Bar and Lost Mary seem to be leading the way in terms of popularity and demand. However, as consumers are faced with a multitude of choices, finding the right one can become quite difficult.
It is time to settle the debate once and for all. In this article, we will put these three top-of-the-line brands to the test by evaluating their strengths, weaknesses, and overall quality through our four-round Disposable Vape Showdown.
The Contender #1: Elf Bar – The Reliable Crowd-Pleaser
Elf Bar is my entry point into the disposable world. I tried my first disposable from Elf Bar with the classic Blue Razz Ice. The hit I received was incredible — an explosion of sweet, fruity blueberry goodness followed by a very refreshing menthol chill. No toothpaste here!
Elf Bar is the Toyota Camry of disposables. It may not be the flashiest, but it's reliable, comfortable, and gets the job done exceptionally well. The designs are very simple, rounded, and fit comfortably in the hand. The draw is consistently smooth, neither too tight nor too airy. It's a great MTL hit that replicates the feel of smoking without all the nasty stuff.
Elf Bar is also exceptional in terms of flavor. I've been blown away by how well they blend their flavors. The strawberry kiwi flavor tastes like real fruit juice and not candy. Watermelon bubble gum is a nostalgic trip that doesn't get too sickly sweet. They do a great job of blending sweetness with authenticity. The "ice" versions of their flavors are particularly impressive in how well they provide a cool sensation without completely numbing your tongue.
Overall, choose Elf Bar if you're looking for a no-fuss, extremely reliable vape with some of the best and most authentic flavored options on the market. It's a safe bet, and you'll rarely lose.
The Contender #2: Geek Bar – The Techy Powerhouse
Geek Bar is the techy powerhouse of the group. I purchased my first Geek Bar purely out of curiosity based on the "Dual Mode" technology mentioned on the packaging. I chose the Geek Bar Meloso Mini in Cantaloupe Apple. First off, I was impressed with the build quality of the Geek Bar, it felt a little more substantial, a little more premium in the hand compared to the Elf Bar.
If Elf Bar is the Camry, Geek Bar is the high-tech electric car. The key innovation behind Geek Bar is the Dual Mode switch. On one side of the device, there is a traditional mode for getting consistent flavor and battery life. On the other side, you have a "Pulse" or "Boost" mode that will give you an intensified flavor and a larger cloud. I used the traditional mode for everyday vaping and would hit the pulse button when I wanted a big, dense cloud of vapor.
In pulse mode, the flavor is quite intense. The cantaloupe apple was incredibly juicy with the apple flavor coming through much stronger than in the more subtle flavor profile of the Elf Bar. Their sour apple is a very tart, eye-watering experience that highlights the bold flavor philosophy of Geek Bar. It's less about being nuanced and more about having impact.
If you enjoy a bit of control over your vape and love a strong, intense flavor hit, then Geek Bar is your go-to brand. The dual-mode feature is truly innovative and allows users to customize their vaping experience in a way that few others do.
The Contender #3: Lost Mary – The Wildcard Flavor Explorer
Lost Mary is the wild card flavor explorer of the group. Lost Mary is essentially the oddball, quirky cousin of Elf Bar (both brands come from the same parent company). My first Lost Mary was the legendary BM600 in Marydream. The unique, geometric design caught my attention, and the flavor...I had no idea what "Marydream" tasted like, and that was the point.
Lost Mary is the Scion xB of the group, unconventional, quirky, and unashamedly focused on a unique aesthetic and experience. Lost Mary's designs tend to be more square-shaped and more colorful with far-out names. A number of Lost Mary devices have a slightly different draw than the others, often feeling a bit airier, and delivering a more wet or juicy vapor.
This is Lost Mary's playground. While they offer traditional flavors, Lost Mary excels at creating strange, complex, and sometimes brilliant combinations you won't find anywhere else. Marydream is a flavor that defies description, a combination of multiple types of berries, citrus, and possibly some cream. Blue Cotton Candy is a perfect recreation of cotton candy from a fairground. And Juicy Peach Ice is arguably the best peach flavor available, full-stop. Lost Mary takes more risks than the others, and when they succeed, they hit a home run.
Choose Lost Mary when you're tired of the norm and want to explore the extreme reaches of disposable vape flavors. Lost Mary is the choice of the adventurous vaper who values unique designs and unusual taste experiences.
The Final Tally: My Personal Verdict
And so, who comes out on top? In my hands, at any moment of any day, it depends on my mood.
- Best for Consistency and Ease: Elf Bar. Hands down, this is the vape I'd recommend to anyone starting out with no hesitation.
- Best for a Power Boost: Geek Bar. When I'm looking for that extra kick of flavor and a sense of control, the Pulse mode is unbeatable.
- Best for Flavor Exploration: Lost Mary. When I'm feeling a little stagnant and need a surprise, I always reach for a Lost Mary for their wild and juicy profiles.
At the end of the day, we're the ones benefiting from the heated competition among these three titans, pushing the entire category of vape products forward and giving us better flavors, better tech and overall a better vaping experience.