Horizontech Talons 3 Pod Kit Sakura Pink

Overview

The Horizontech Talons 3 Pod Kit Sakura Pink by HorizonTech in Sakura Pink at 0mg. Free UK delivery over £20, same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 4pm.

Overview: what the HorizonTech Talons 3 Pod Kit is

The HorizonTech Talons 3 Pod Kit in the Azure colourway is a refillable, rechargeable pod system for adult nicotine users in the UK who would rather own a device and fill it with their own e-liquid than buy a new disposable every few days. It sits in the compact pod-kit category: a small body with a built-in battery, a replaceable pod that holds the liquid and the coil, and a USB-C port for charging. You open the pod, fill it, close it, and vape. When the coil wears out you swap the pod or coil head, not the whole device.

HorizonTech is a hardware brand rather than an e-liquid maker, and that matters when you are deciding whether this kit is for you. The company's focus is on coils, airflow and build, which means the Talons 3 is a vehicle for whatever liquid you choose. The flavour in your mouth will come from the bottle you buy, not from the kit. This is a different proposition from a sealed disposable with a fixed flavour, and it is a good fit for people who like to change flavours, experiment with nicotine strengths, or simply keep running costs down.

The name Azure refers to the colour of the shell, not a flavour. That is worth saying plainly because shoppers sometimes assume colour names on pod kits are flavour names, as they often are on disposables. On the Talons 3, Azure is a blue finish, and the device ships empty. You will need to buy e-liquid separately, and we cover how to choose it further down this page.

In this guide we go through what the kit does well, where it is limited, how it compares with other pod kits sold in the UK, and what you should know about nicotine strength, charging, troubleshooting and recycling. Where a technical figure is a typical range for this class of device rather than a number we can confirm from the listing alone, we say so, and we suggest checking the printed figure on the box or the manufacturer's leaflet before you rely on it.

• Type: refillable pod kit with a built-in rechargeable battery
• Colourway: Azure (a shell colour, not a flavour)
• Liquid: bring your own nicotine e-liquid, freebase or nicotine salt depending on the coil
• Tank size: a pod capacity of up to 2ml, which is the legal maximum for UK refillable tanks and pods
• Charging: USB-C

If you are coming from disposables, the biggest change is routine. You will fill a pod, charge a battery and keep a bottle of liquid to hand. For many people that routine takes a day or two to settle and then becomes second nature, and it is usually cheaper per week than a stream of single-use devices.

Specifications at a glance and what to check on the box

Pod kits in this price band tend to share a recognisable specification sheet, and the Talons 3 follows that pattern. Below we set out what you can reasonably expect, separating firm facts from typical ranges. We would rather give you an honest range than a precise-looking number we cannot stand behind, so use the list as a guide and check the figures printed on the packaging when your kit arrives.

• Device type: refillable pod system, draw-activated or button-assisted depending on the version in the box
• Pod capacity: up to 2ml. UK rules cap refillable tank and pod sizes at 2ml, so you will not find a larger legal pod on a kit sold here.
• Battery: built-in lithium-polymer or lithium-ion cell. Kits of this size typically carry a battery somewhere between roughly 800mAh and 1,100mAh. Confirm the exact rating on the box.
• Coil type: mesh coil, usually in the region of 0.6 to 1.0 ohm for pods designed for a restricted lung or tight direct-to-lung draw
• Output: fixed or lightly adjustable power, commonly in the 15 to 30 watt range for pods of this type
• Charging port: USB-C, with a full charge typically taking around an hour to ninety minutes from a standard 5V adapter
• Airflow: adjustable or fixed depending on the pod, generally tuned toward a snug draw
• Pod format: top-fill or side-fill, with a bung or silicone plug that you pull aside to add liquid

Why do we mention the 2ml limit so firmly? Because it shapes everything about how a pod kit behaves. A 2ml pod holds roughly as much liquid as a typical disposable in the UK holds today, so a full pod and a full charge will not last dramatically longer than a single-use device would. The advantage of a refillable kit is not that it runs for days between fills. It is that each refill costs a fraction of a new disposable, and the hardware can keep going for months if you look after it.

The same logic applies to nicotine. In the UK the maximum nicotine strength for any consumer e-liquid is 20mg per ml, which is 2 per cent. The cap is often discussed in connection with disposables, but it applies equally to the bottles you will buy to fill a pod, so every legal bottle on a UK shelf tops out at 20mg. Most bottles are also sold in 10ml sizes, with larger sizes available for zero-nicotine shortfills that you would then mix with nicotine shots.

One more thing to check on arrival is whether the box contains a single pod or several, and whether any spare coil heads are included. Different bundles of the same kit sometimes include a different number of consumables, and a spare pod is genuinely useful in the first week while you work out your preferred liquid.

Performance and vapour delivery

The Talons 3 is built around a mesh-coil pod, and that tells you most of what you need to know about how it behaves. Mesh coils spread heat across a wide, flat surface instead of a single wire wrapped around cotton. In practice that means the coil wets evenly, warms up quickly and produces a consistent amount of vapour from the first pull to the last. On a well-matched liquid the draw feels smooth and steady rather than spiky.

Draw style. Kits in this class are designed for a restricted lung draw, sometimes called RDL. That is a slow, cool, slightly tight inhale that fills the lungs gradually, somewhere between the tightness of a cigarette and the open airflow of a sub-ohm tank. If you are moving from smoking, this is usually the most natural fit. If you are used to open-airflow sub-ohm devices that produce large clouds, you may find the Talons 3 restrained by comparison, and that is by design, not a fault.

Ramp-up and consistency. Mesh coils reach working temperature faster than most round-wire coils, so there is little delay between pressing the button or drawing and getting vapour. Consistency is the other advantage. Because the mesh covers more surface area, it is less prone to hot spots that scorch the cotton, which in turn helps flavour stay steady as the pod empties.

What affects performance most. Three things have more influence on your experience than anything printed on the packaging:

• Liquid viscosity. A thinner, higher-VG ratio liquid wicks quickly but can leak in a pod; a 50/50 PG/VG blend usually wicks most reliably in a small pod and gives a little more throat feel.
• Priming. A new coil needs time to soak. Rushing this step is the most common cause of a burnt first pod.
• Battery level. As the cell drops below roughly a quarter of its charge, output can sag slightly, so vapour can feel a touch cooler and thinner toward the end of a charge.

Expect each 2ml fill to last a moderate vaper a day or so, depending on strength and puff frequency. Light users, such as people who vape mainly after meals or socially, can stretch a pod over two days. Heavy users who vape continuously through the day may fill twice, and some keep two pods in rotation so one can rest while the other is in use.

We do not want to oversell the numbers here. A disposable vape marketed with a headline puff count of several hundred or several thousand puffs is measuring something quite different from the number of draws you get from a 2ml refillable pod, and the two should not be compared directly. A refillable pod simply holds what it holds. What it gives you in return is control over the liquid, a lower cost per millilitre and the ability to replace parts instead of the entire device.

Flavour profile and e-liquid pairing

Because the Talons 3 is a refillable kit, its flavour depends almost entirely on what you put in it. The hardware's job is to deliver that flavour cleanly, and mesh coils are generally good at this. They run at a moderate temperature and expose a large surface of cotton, which preserves the delicate top notes of fruit and the sharper edges of menthol better than a cheaper single-wire coil often does.

That said, a pod kit with a tight draw does show a few consistent tendencies. Understanding them will help you choose liquids you are likely to enjoy.

• Fruit and ice. Berry, tropical and citrus blends with a light cooling agent tend to shine. The restricted draw concentrates the flavour, so mid-strength cooling is usually enough.
• Menthol and mint. Clean and defined. Strong menthols can feel sharp at 20mg, so many people choose a milder menthol if they are using a high nicotine strength.
• Desserts and custards. These work, but richer, sweeter liquids can build residue on a mesh coil faster. Expect to change the pod a little sooner if you vape heavy dessert blends all day.
• Tobacco. Light tobacco and tobacco-mint blends suit a tighter draw well and are a common choice for people stepping away from cigarettes.
• Bubblegum, candy and soda. Popular, sweet and generally fine, but with the same residue caveat as desserts.

Freebase versus nicotine salt. Many small pod kits are tuned for nicotine salt liquids, which deliver nicotine more smoothly at higher strengths and feel gentler on the throat. Others are happier with traditional freebase nicotine. Mesh pods in this class often accept either, but you should check the manufacturer's guidance for the specific pod in your box. If the leaflet recommends a particular type, follow it; using the wrong type of liquid in a coil tuned for the other can cause harshness or uneven vapour.

Switching flavours. When you swap from one liquid to another, you may notice a little ghosting from the previous flavour, especially after a strong menthol or a dark dessert. If you change flavours often, it is worth keeping a couple of pods and dedicating each to a flavour family, for example one for fruit and one for menthol. Rinsing the pod with lukewarm water and drying it fully before refilling also helps, but never rinse a coil head that is built into the pod unless the manufacturer says it is safe to do so.

If you are not sure where to start, a fruit-and-ice liquid at a moderate strength is a safe first choice. It is forgiving of coil quirks, easy to evaluate and unlikely to taste muddy as the coil ages. Once you know how the kit behaves in your hands, you can branch out into more complex blends with confidence.

Design and build quality

The Talons 3 follows the compact, pocketable design that has become standard for pod kits. The body is small enough to slip into a jeans pocket, and the Azure finish gives it a clean, cool-toned look that sits comfortably alongside the other colours in the range. The shell is typically made of a zinc alloy or a similar metal blend with a painted or anodised coating, which feels sturdier than the all-plastic shells found on the cheapest kits.

In the hand. Pod kits live and die by ergonomics. A well-proportioned body should rest naturally between thumb and forefinger without you having to grip it, and the mouthpiece should sit comfortably against the lips. The Talons 3 is designed with rounded edges and a mouthpiece shaped for a relaxed draw, and the size is easy to manage one-handed. Anyone with larger hands may find the body a little small, but that is the trade-off with any pocket-sized device.

Pod fit and seal. A good pod system lives or dies by the connection between the pod and the body. Magnetic or friction-fit connections should click firmly and sit flush with no wobble. When you insert the pod, give it a gentle wiggle to check that it is seated, and look for any gap at the seam. Poor seating is a common cause of dry hits and flickering indicator lights, and it is easy to fix by removing and reseating the pod.

Finish and durability. Painted metal finishes look good but can show wear at the edges after months of pocket life, particularly if you carry the kit with keys or coins. A silicone sleeve or a small carry case is cheap insurance if you want the Azure colour to stay looking new. Wipe the body with a dry cloth and keep the charging port free of lint and e-liquid residue.

• Controls: a single button or a draw-activated sensor, depending on the version, with an LED indicator for battery state
• Mouthpiece: integrated into the pod, so it is replaced each time you change the pod
• Fill port: a silicone bung that lifts or slides aside, designed to be accessed with the pod removed from the battery
• Charge port: USB-C on the base, reversible and compatible with common cables

Overall, the build is in line with what you would expect from a device at this level. It is not made to survive being dropped on concrete, and no pod kit in this price range is, but it is well put together for everyday carrying and should cope with the usual knocks of daily use.

Battery life and charging

The built-in battery on a kit like the Talons 3 is the part that most often determines whether you enjoy living with it. A larger cell lasts longer between charges but makes the device slightly heavier; a smaller cell keeps the body slim but needs topping up more often. Pod kits in this class commonly use a cell of roughly 800mAh to 1,100mAh, and you should confirm the exact rating printed on the box.

What to expect in daily use. With a mesh coil running at around 15 to 25 watts, a battery in this range will typically see an average vaper through most of a day, with a top-up at some point in the evening. Moderate users often charge once a day, usually overnight. Heavy users, or anyone chain-vaping, may find they need a mid-day top-up or a power bank in a bag. Because the battery is built in, you cannot swap in a spare, so charging habits are the main way to manage it.

Charging. The kit charges through USB-C. A full charge from empty takes around an hour to an hour and a half on a standard 5V adapter or a computer port. The LED indicator typically changes colour or turns off when charging is complete; check the leaflet for the specific pattern on your version.

• Use the supplied cable or a reputable replacement, and a standard 5V adapter. Fast chargers that negotiate higher voltages can be fine with a good cable, but there is no benefit on a small cell, and cheap unbranded chargers are not worth the risk.
• Do not charge the device under a pillow, on a sofa cushion or anywhere it cannot shed heat. Charge it on a hard surface where you can see it.
• Unplug it once it is full rather than leaving it connected for days.
• Do not charge a device that is wet, damaged, swollen or noticeably hot.
• Keep the device out of hot cars and direct sunlight. Lithium cells dislike heat.

Making the battery last. Like any lithium cell, the battery will lose some capacity over time. Habits that help include avoiding running it completely flat as a routine, avoiding extreme temperatures and not leaving it plugged in for days at a time. With sensible use, a battery of this type typically lasts for many months of daily vaping before you notice a meaningful drop in run time.

If you vape heavily and the built-in battery feels like the limiting factor, a small power bank solves the problem for most people. Because the device uses USB-C, any ordinary power bank and cable will do the job, and you can top up on the move without hunting for a wall socket.

Pod and mesh coil technology

The pod is the heart of the Talons 3. It holds the liquid, houses the coil and forms the mouthpiece, so it takes more wear than any other part of the kit. Understanding how it works will help you get the most out of every pod, and it will tell you when it is time to replace one.

How a mesh coil works. A traditional round-wire coil is a length of resistance wire wound into a spiral around a cotton wick. A mesh coil replaces the wire with a thin, perforated metal sheet, rolled or folded and backed by cotton. Because the sheet has a lot more surface area touching the cotton, it heats the liquid more evenly and more quickly. It also tends to be gentler on the cotton, which reduces the odds of a burnt taste during normal use. The perforations let liquid flow through easily, which is why mesh coils cope better than most with thicker, higher-VG blends.

Resistance and what it means. Pod coils in this class typically sit between about 0.6 and 1.0 ohm. Lower resistance usually means more vapour and warmer flavour at a given power, and higher resistance means a cooler, tighter draw that is easier on the battery. For a small pod kit with a modest cell, a resistance in this range is a sensible balance between flavour and run time.

Coil life. There is no single figure that applies to every user, because coil life depends on the liquid you use, how often you vape and how well you prime. As a rough guide:

• Light or moderate use with a thin, fruit or menthol liquid: a pod may last two to three weeks.
• Daily use with sweet or dessert liquids: expect one to two weeks.
• Heavy use with high-sweetener liquids: a pod may need replacing in under a week.

Signs a pod is spent. The most reliable signs are flavour that tastes flat or muted, a slightly burnt or acrid note even with a freshly filled pod, a gurgling sound, or noticeably thinner vapour. Replace the pod when you see these signs rather than pushing through; a worn coil makes every puff less pleasant and can taste harsh.

Priming and filling. Fill the pod to just below the maximum line, never to the very top, and let it sit for five minutes before your first draw so the cotton can fully absorb the liquid. Take two or three gentle draws without pressing the button, then begin vaping normally. This one step is responsible for a surprising amount of coil life.

Spare pods are widely sold alongside the kit, and having one in reserve means you are never left without a working device on the day a coil gives out.

Nicotine strength guidance for UK vapers

Choosing the right nicotine strength is the most important decision you will make with a refillable kit, and it is the one most people get wrong at first. Too low and you will be tempted to go back to cigarettes; too high and you will feel dizzy, nauseous or uncomfortable. The aim is the lowest strength that comfortably keeps cravings in check.

The UK cap. In the UK, e-liquid for sale to consumers is limited to a maximum of 20mg of nicotine per ml, equal to 2 per cent. This cap applies to refill bottles and to disposables alike, and you will not find a legal consumer product on a UK shelf above it. Refillable tanks and pods are limited to 2ml, and refill bottles of nicotine liquid are limited to 10ml. Zero-nicotine liquids are not subject to the same size limit, which is why shortfill bottles exist.

A starting point by smoking history. The list below is a guide, not medical advice. Everyone is different, and your own comfort is the final test.

• Heavy smokers (more than 15 cigarettes a day, or first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking): start with nicotine salt at 18mg or 20mg, or a freebase liquid at around 12mg if the pod is happier with freebase.
• Moderate smokers (roughly 10 to 15 a day): try nicotine salt at 10mg to 12mg, or freebase at 6mg to 9mg.
• Light smokers (fewer than 10 a day, or social smokers): nicotine salt at 5mg to 10mg, or freebase at 3mg to 6mg.
• Ex-smokers who want a very low strength: 3mg freebase or 5mg nicotine salt is plenty for many people.

Why salts and freebase differ. Nicotine salts are formulated to feel smoother at higher strengths, so a 20mg salt is generally less harsh than a 20mg freebase. That is why salts dominate the pod-kit market. Freebase liquids are more traditional and are usually sold at lower strengths, such as 3mg, 6mg and 12mg, and they are the usual choice for anyone using lower-resistance devices.

Signs you have the wrong strength. If you feel lightheaded, queasy, sweaty or your heart seems to race, you are probably taking in more nicotine than you need, so step down. If you are constantly reaching for the kit, feel irritable or are still craving cigarettes, you probably need a little more. Adjust in small steps, and give each change a few days before deciding.

Nicotine is addictive, and vaping is intended for adult smokers who want an alternative to tobacco. If you do not currently smoke or vape, you should not start. If you want to quit nicotine altogether, speak to your pharmacist or your local NHS stop smoking service, who can offer free support, and consider tapering gradually down to the lowest strength.

Who the Talons 3 is for, and who should look elsewhere

Every vape suits some people and not others. We would rather tell you honestly where the Talons 3 fits so that you can decide before you spend any money. The kit makes most sense for a fairly specific set of adult vapers.

Good fit:

• Smokers switching away from cigarettes. The restricted draw and the ability to use nicotine salts make the Talons 3 a natural choice for people moving off tobacco who want something that feels familiar.
• People tired of disposables. If you have been buying a new single-use vape every week, a refillable kit lowers the cost per week and reduces waste. The UK has restricted the sale of single-use vapes, so a reusable device is also the direction the market is heading.
• Flavour explorers. If you like to change flavours regularly, a kit that accepts any compatible liquid gives you far more variety than a sealed device.
• Pocket-first vapers. If you want something small that does not make a bulge in your trousers, this form factor is a good match.
• Beginners who want a simple routine. Fill, charge, vape. There is no coil building, no wattage dial to learn and no tank to dismantle.

Probably not for you:

• Cloud chasers. If you want big, warm, open-airflow vapour, a sub-ohm kit is a better match. The Talons 3 is designed around a tighter draw.
• Very heavy, all-day vapers. A small built-in battery and a 2ml pod mean frequent top-ups. If you vape continuously, a kit with a larger battery or a removable cell will be less of a chore.
• Anyone who dislikes any refilling. If the idea of handling liquid puts you off, a prefilled pod system, where available, may be easier, though it costs more per week.
• Non-smokers and anyone under 18. Vapes are for adults who currently smoke or vape. They are not intended for young people or people who have never used nicotine.
• People who want to tinker. If you enjoy adjusting wattage, rebuilding coils and experimenting with airflow in fine increments, a mod or tank kit will give you more room to play.

If you are undecided, ask yourself how you plan to use the device. If the answer is a simple, low-effort way to replace cigarettes or disposables while paying less over time, the Talons 3 is built for exactly that.

How to use the Talons 3 from first fill to daily routine

Getting started is simple, but a few details make the difference between a smooth first day and a frustrating one. Follow these steps the first time, and the routine will quickly become automatic.

• Step 1: Check the box. Make sure you have the battery body, at least one pod and a USB-C cable. Read the leaflet, particularly the sections on liquid type and nicotine strength.
• Step 2: Charge first. Plug the battery in and let it charge fully, at least for the first time. It is a good habit even if the device arrives with a little charge.
• Step 3: Remove the pod and fill it. Pull the pod from the battery. Open the fill port by lifting or sliding aside the silicone bung. Angle the pod and drip the liquid down the inside wall rather than directly onto the coil, to avoid flooding. Fill to just below the max line, never to the top.
• Step 4: Close it and let it rest. Press the bung back firmly and wipe off any spilled liquid. Let the filled pod stand upright for five minutes so the cotton soaks.
• Step 5: Insert the pod. Push the pod onto the battery until it seats. If the device uses magnets or contacts, you should feel it click.
• Step 6: Take gentle first draws. Take two or three slow, soft puffs, then start vaping normally. If the device has a button, hold it only for as long as you draw.

Everyday handling. Keep the device upright when you can, particularly if you are carrying it in a bag or pocket, as this keeps liquid in the pod and away from the battery connection. Take puffs of two to four seconds with a pause of 20 to 30 seconds between them. Long, hard draws push the coil harder than a small pod can cope with and shorten its life.

Refilling. Refill when the liquid level drops to about a quarter of the pod, rather than waiting until it is empty. Running dry is the quickest way to burn a coil. Always wipe the contact points on the pod and the battery with a dry tissue if liquid has crept into them.

Transporting and storing. If you are travelling, empty the pod or keep it upright in a sealed bag, as air pressure changes can cause leaks. Store the device and any bottles out of the reach of children and pets. Nicotine liquid is poisonous if swallowed or spilled on skin and should always be kept in its original child-resistant packaging.

Recycling. When a pod is spent, treat it as electrical waste, not household rubbish. In the UK, retailers that sell vapes are required to take back old vapes and batteries for free, and you can also use the vape-recycling banks at many household waste recycling centres. Never put a vape in a general waste bin or a kerbside recycling box, because lithium cells can start fires in collection lorries and recycling plants.

Troubleshooting common problems

Most problems with pod kits have simple causes and quick fixes. Run through the list below before you assume the device is faulty. In our experience, a large proportion of apparent faults come down to priming, seating or a spent coil.

• Burnt or acrid taste. The most common causes are an unprimed coil, running the pod nearly empty, or a coil at the end of its life. Refill, rest for five minutes, take gentle puffs and see whether the taste improves. If it persists, fit a fresh pod.
• Dry or weak vapour. Check the liquid level and let the pod soak. If the liquid is very thick, a lower-VG liquid may wick more reliably. A blocked airflow slot can also reduce vapour, so check it is clear.
• Leaking. Overfilling is the main culprit. Fill to just below the max line, make sure the bung is fully seated, and keep the device upright. Also check the pod for hairline cracks, and replace it if you find one. Very thin liquids can leak through some pods, so a thicker blend may help.
• Gurgling or spitting. This usually means condensation or excess liquid in the airflow path. Wipe the mouthpiece, remove the pod, and gently blow through the airflow channel before re-inserting.
• Device does not fire. Check the pod is seated properly and the contacts are clean and dry. Charge the battery in case it has run flat. If the device has a lock mode, which is often activated by clicking the button several times, try unlocking it.
• Flashing LED. A flashing indicator generally points to low battery, a poor pod connection or a short circuit. Charge the battery, remove and re-insert the pod and wipe the contacts. If the flashing continues with a new pod, contact the seller.
• Battery drains too quickly. A very old battery or heavy use can cause this. Check you are not leaving the device locked on a button press in a pocket, and avoid charging overnight every night if you can.
• Device will not charge. Try a different cable and adapter, and check the USB-C port for lint or dried liquid. A soft wooden toothpick can remove debris, but do not use metal tools.
• Sweet liquids gunking the coil. Switch to a less sweet liquid, or change the pod more often.

Safety first. If the device becomes unusually hot, swells, hisses, smells strongly of chemicals or smokes, stop using it immediately, unplug it if it is charging, and move it somewhere safe and non-flammable, such as outdoors on a hard surface. Do not continue to use a damaged battery. Take it to a recycling point, not the household bin.

If none of these steps solves your issue, keep your order details and contact the retailer promptly. Faults reported early are much easier to resolve than faults reported after weeks of use.

Value for money and how it compares with other pod kits

Pod kits compete on a crowded shelf, and the right choice depends on what you value. Here we set the Talons 3 against well-known alternatives in the UK market and describe the trade-offs fairly. We are not suggesting any of these is wrong for you; the point is to help you match the device to your habits.

Against prefilled pod systems. Prefilled-pod kits are even simpler than a refillable one: you click in a sealed pod and vape. The downside is cost and choice. A sealed pod is dearer per millilitre than a bottle of e-liquid, and you are limited to the flavours the manufacturer makes. If you vape every day, the running cost of a refillable kit is usually noticeably lower, and the flexibility is greater.

Against the Vaporesso XROS range. The XROS family is one of the most widely used pod-kit lines in the UK, with a broad selection of pods, colours and bundles and a large community of users. If you value an established ecosystem and easy availability of spares, it is a strong reference point. The Talons 3 is a reasonable alternative if you want a different design or a particular colourway, though the pod range may be less extensive.

Against the OXVA Xlim line. The Xlim range is popular for its slim bodies and its easy pod swaps. It is a close competitor in size and draw style. Choose between them on how the body feels in your hand and which pods and coils you can buy locally.

Against the Uwell Caliburn range. Caliburn kits are known for their compact build and for a coil range that spans a variety of draw styles. They are another sensible comparison if you are happy to shop on a long-standing name with plenty of replacement pods.

Against the SMOK Novo family. Novo kits are easy-to-use, affordable pod systems with a wide following. They tend to be a good entry point for beginners, though build and finish vary between versions.

Where the Talons 3 sits. The honest summary is that it is a competent, mainstream pod kit, not a device that is going to change the way you think about vaping. Its strengths are a mesh coil, a compact body and the ability to use whatever liquid you like. Its limits are a small built-in battery and a 2ml pod, which are shared by almost every legal pod kit in the UK.

• Upfront cost: modest compared with a mod or a tank kit, and comparable to other pod kits
• Running cost: low, because you pay for bottled liquid and the occasional pod, not for a new device every week
• Cost over a year: usually well under the cost of weekly disposables, though the exact saving depends on your use
• Waste: much lower than disposables, because the device is reused and only the pod is replaced

For most adult smokers and ex-smokers who want a simple refillable device, the combination of price, size and refill economy makes it a sensible, low-risk purchase.