This RELX Artisan review covers a refillable-pod vape kit that competes on materials and design more than on raw capacity: genuine European leather over a zinc-alloy body, a 380mAh battery, USB-C charging and a vibration alert that tracks how often you puff. Unlike a disposable, the Artisan is a reusable device that takes RELX pods, which are sold separately. We go through the build, battery, pod compatibility, colours and who it suits, using only what the product page says. We have not lab-tested the kit.
Jump to: RELX Artisan review: specs at a glance | Build and materials | Battery, charging and SmartPace | Pods, nicotine and UAE rules | Colours and options | Who should buy it, and who should skip | Buying it from Vaps Shop | Pros and cons
RELX Artisan review: specs at a glance
The Artisan is a pod-system kit rather than a disposable. The listing gives genuine European leather and zinc alloy construction, a 380mAh internal rechargeable battery, USB Type-C charging and compatibility with RELX Pod Pro or RELX pods, which are sold separately. It also lists RELX’s Super Smooth performance technology and a SmartPace indicator that combines a vibration alert with an LED light. It comes in five colours: Bright Mandarin, Dark Stealth, Indigo Denim, Polo Stripe and Royal Saddle. Because the pods are separate, the nicotine strength, flavour and capacity depend on which pods you buy, not on the kit. The kit is positioned as the premium device in the RELX line, aimed at people who want something that looks and feels better than a plastic stick.
Build and materials
The headline feature is the leather-wrapped chassis, which the listing describes as giving a premium, tactile feel, over a zinc-alloy frame. In general, a metal frame with a wrapped surface is more durable and more expensive than all-plastic construction, and it will feel heavier. Leather also ages differently from plastic: it can mark or wear with pocket use, so a kit like this suits people who care how it looks and are willing to look after it. Colour choice is part of the pitch, with five finishes from bright to dark. The listing does not give dimensions or weight, so check the product images to judge size. The kit is a compact pod format designed to slip into a pocket, which suits people who want to carry it daily.
Is leather practical for a vape?
It looks and feels premium but needs more care than plastic. Keep it away from water, heat and sharp objects in a bag, and wipe it with a dry cloth.
Battery, charging and SmartPace
The 380mAh battery is small by pod-kit standards, which is normal for this compact format. The listing says it is optimised for a full day of use for the average user, a claim based on the maker’s assumptions rather than measured by us. Charging uses USB Type-C. The SmartPace feature is the unusual part: the device vibrates gently after 15 puffs within a 15-minute period, helping you see how much you are using. Whether you find that useful depends on you, but for someone trying to cut down it is a practical prompt. Heavy users who take far more than 15 puffs in 15 minutes will feel the alert often. Use a standard charger and do not leave the kit charging unattended.
What is SmartPace for?
It is a usage reminder. The vibration and LED tell you when you have hit a set number of puffs in a short time, which can help you pace yourself.
Pods, nicotine and UAE rules
The Artisan uses RELX Pod Pro or RELX pods, sold separately, so the nicotine strength is set by the pod rather than the kit. Check the strength on the pod listing before buying; our nicotine strength guide explains mg/ml and percentage figures. Browse the available pods on the RELX hub, and confirm compatibility with your kit before ordering. Vape products sold in the UAE must follow the national standard UAE.S 5030:2018 and the strength limits set by the authorities, and we make no claim that any product is compliant beyond what its label states. Check the current rules with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and our UAE vaping laws guide. Nicotine is addictive; adults 21+ only.
| Feature | RELX Artisan | Ignite V155 (disposable) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Reusable pod kit | Disposable |
| Battery | 380mAh, USB Type-C | Integrated rechargeable, Type-C |
| Body | European leather and zinc alloy | Ultra-slim, lightweight |
| Capacity | Set by pod | About 15,500 puffs, 16ml |
| Nicotine | Set by pod | 5% (50mg) |
| Extras | SmartPace vibration alert and LED | None listed |
| Options | 5 colours | 6 flavours |
| Pods | RELX Pod Pro or RELX pods, sold separately | Pre-filled |
Colours and options
The five colours are Bright Mandarin, Dark Stealth, Indigo Denim, Polo Stripe and Royal Saddle. The product page is a variable listing, so you pick a colour before adding to your cart. The names suggest a spread from bold to understated: Bright Mandarin for a statement look and Dark Stealth for a low-key one. Since the finish is leather-based, colours can vary slightly between batches, so use the product images as a guide rather than an exact match. There is no flavour choice on the kit itself, because flavour comes from the pod. Stock varies by colour, so check availability on the product page.
Who should buy it, and who should skip
The Artisan suits adults who already use RELX pods or want a premium, pocketable, reusable kit with a usage reminder and are happy to buy pods separately. It does not suit people who want a no-fuss disposable, anyone who wants a large battery or screen, or anyone on a tight budget, since the kit plus pods costs more than a single disposable. If you want a ready-to-use alternative, the Ignite V155 is a slim disposable. For the larger decision, read our disposable vs pod system guide. Our RELX Artisan review verdict: a design-led kit for existing pod users, not a bargain entry point.
How does it compare with a disposable?
A disposable like the Ignite V155 is cheaper to start and needs no pods but is thrown away when empty. The Artisan costs more up front and needs pods, but the kit lasts across many pods.
Buying it from Vaps Shop
We deliver to Dubai, Sharjah and the other emirates, and sales are restricted to adults aged 21 and over, with age checked at checkout and where required on delivery. We source stock from authorised distributors; our authenticity guarantee explains how we verify it. Before you order, check the colour you chose and confirm that you also have compatible pods, since they are sold separately. The product page is the source of truth for price, because prices change. To see more devices, browse the pod systems category.
The RELX Artisan price at Vaps Shop is AED 230, the same in all five colours: Bright Mandarin, Dark Stealth, Indigo Denim, Polo Stripe and Royal Saddle. Pods are sold separately, so add the cost of RELX pods. Check the product page for current price and stock.
RELX Artisan pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium leather and zinc-alloy build | Pods are sold separately |
| SmartPace usage alert | Small 380mAh battery |
| USB Type-C charging | Higher up-front cost than a disposable |
| Five colour choices | Leather needs more care than plastic |
| Reusable across many pods | No screen or adjustable settings listed |
In short, this RELX Artisan review finds a premium, design-led pod kit for adults who already use RELX pods. View the RELX Artisan product page to pick a colour. Adults 21+ only; nicotine is addictive.
Related guides: best pod kits in Dubai, MTL vs DTL vaping, vape coil resistance guide and how to refill a pod vape.
This review is based on the manufacturer’s specifications and the product listing, reviewed on 8 October 2026 by the Vaps Shop team. We have not run lab tests on this device. Prices, stock and flavours change, so check the product page. Adults 21+ only; see our age restriction notice.
