For vapers sourcing through Australian channels, choosing between the classic IGET Bar 3500 and the upgraded IGET Bar Plus (specifically the S3 Smart Series) comes down to two main factors: upfront convenience and long-term running costs.
While the IGET Bar 3500 remains a staple for its plug-and-play simplicity, the IGET Bar Plus S3 offers a rechargeable pod-system hybrid with smart monitoring. This review compares their specifications, real-world longevity, financial costs, and daily usability.
Table of Contents
📊 Technical Specifications: Side-by-Side
| Feature | IGET Bar Plus S3 (10,000 Puffs) | IGET Bar (3,500 Puffs) |
| E-Liquid Capacity | 16.0 ml (0.54 fl oz) | 12.0 ml (0.40 fl oz) |
| Smart Features | LED Smart Screen (Battery & E-Liquid) | None |
| System Type | Rechargeable Device + Replaceable Pods | Sealed, Fully Disposable |
| Net Weight | 100.6 g (3.55 oz) | 78.0 g (2.75 oz) |
| Battery Capacity | 650 mAh (Rechargeable USB-C) | 1400 mAh (Non-rechargeable) |
| Coil Resistance | 1.2 Ω Mesh Coil | 1.2 Ω Mesh Coil |
| Dimensions | 30 x 15 x 115 mm (1.18 x 0.59 x 4.53 in) | 41.3 x 21.3 x 94.5 mm (1.63 x 0.84 x 3.72 in) |
🔌 The “S3” Smart Screen Upgrade Explained
The key differentiator for the IGET S3 is its digital interface. Traditional disposable vapes, including the IGET Bar 3500, offer no way to check battery life or remaining e-liquid; the device simply stops firing or tastes burnt without warning.
The IGET Bar Plus S3 addresses this with a bottom-mounted LED display showing:
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Battery Percentage: Real-time remaining charge, helping to prevent an unexpected flat battery.
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E-Liquid Indicator: A simple gauge indicating remaining juice to prevent dry burns on worn-out pods.
🌬️ Airflow and Throat Hit: Tighter Draw vs. Smoother Vapor
Airflow restriction directly dictates the throat hit of a device:
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IGET Bar 3500: Features a tight, highly restricted Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) draw. This closely mimics the resistance of traditional smoking, offering a sharp, defined throat hit.
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IGET Bar Plus S3: Utilizes an optimized, slightly more open airflow channel. Combined with a steady voltage output, it delivers a smoother, denser vapor cloud with a less aggressive but highly consistent throat hit.
🔋 Battery Efficiency: Single-Charge Longevity vs. Constant Power
Battery capacity and rechargeability significantly change daily usage:
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IGET Bar 3500 (1400 mAh): This non-rechargeable cell is designed to power the device through its entire 12ml capacity. However, as the battery depletes over 1 to 2 weeks, vapor production can slowly weaken.
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IGET Bar Plus S3 (650 mAh): The smaller battery requires recharging every 24 to 36 hours of moderate use. Because it can be recharged, it maintains constant voltage regulation—ensuring the coil fires at optimal power for consistent flavor until the pod is empty.
🍓 Flavor Profiles and Coil Performance
While both systems utilize a 1.2 Ω mesh coil, the chamber size and wicking structures differ:
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Sweet & Fruity Juices (e.g., Strawberry Watermelon, Blueberry Raspberry): The classic Bar 3500 handles sweet profiles with concentrated sweetness. However, long-term use of highly sweetened juices can caramelize on the non-replaceable coil, occasionally causing a slightly muted flavor near the end of the device’s life.
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Icy & Menthol Juices (e.g., Blackberry Ice, Double Apple): The Bar Plus S3 excels at cooling profiles. The wider mesh coil surface vaporizes ice flavors more evenly, providing a crisp, refreshing cooling effect that remains stable throughout the life of the 10,000-puff pod.
💰 Cost-per-Puff Analysis (AUD)
For budget-conscious consumers, the pod-based architecture of the IGET Bar Plus S3 is more economical over time. Using current market pricing:
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IGET Bar 3500:
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Retails for $25.00 AUD.
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Cost per puff: ~$0.007 AUD per puff.
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IGET Bar Plus S3 Starter Kit:
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Retails for $65.00 AUD (includes the rechargeable battery device and one 10,000-puff pod).
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Initial cost per puff: ~$0.0065 AUD per puff.
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Subsequent replacement pods retail for roughly $30.00 AUD each.
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Ongoing cost per puff: ~$0.003 AUD per puff.
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Verdict: While the IGET Bar 3500 has a lower upfront cost, switching to the reusable Bar Plus S3 system reduces long-term running costs by over 50% because you only need to purchase replacement pods rather than entirely new devices.
👥 User Feedback: Common Preferences
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The Bar 3500 Advantage: Highly valued by occasional vapers. Users appreciate not having to carry chargers or worry about losing a more expensive rechargeable battery base while out.
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The Bar Plus S3 Advantage: Regular users generally prefer the S3 mesh coil because it delivers a warmer, more intense draw. The ability to charge the battery ensures the performance stays strong until the liquid is fully depleted.
🔧 Step-by-Step Practical Guide: Operation and Maintenance
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Set-Up and Seal Removal: Always remove the bottom seal and the silicone mouthpiece plug before drawing. For the Bar Plus S3, insert the pre-filled cartridge until the magnetic alignment clicks. Attempting to draw with the bottom sticker attached will choke the airflow and can quickly burn the coil.
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Changing Pods on the S3: Pull the spent cartridge straight up from the battery base. When inserting a new pod, let the device sit upright for two minutes before vaping. This allows the juice to saturate the internal wick fully, preventing premature coil burn.
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Safe Charging Practices: Charge the IGET Bar Plus S3 base using a standard 5V/1A adapter or a computer USB port. Avoid using high-amperage mobile phone fast-chargers, as excessive current can overheat the 650 mAh battery and degrade its long-term life cycle.
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Recycling E-Waste: Both devices contain lithium batteries. Avoid putting them into standard household general waste bins. Store spent bars or battery bases safely and drop them off at local e-waste collection points or dedicated battery recycling bins.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Can I charge the IGET Bar 3500?
No. The IGET Bar 3500 is completely sealed. Attempting to charge or open the aluminum casing poses a serious safety hazard. -
Are IGET Bar Plus S3 pods compatible with other vape brands?
No. S3 pods are proprietary and only fit the magnetic docking port of the IGET Bar Plus battery base. -
Why is my IGET Bar Plus S3 indicator screen flashing?
A flashing battery symbol indicates that the 650 mAh base has run out of charge and needs to be connected to a USB-C cable. -
Can I use older IGET Bar Plus (6,000 Puffs) pods with the new S3 smart device?
Yes. The physical connection and magnetic docking port of the IGET Bar Plus S3 device are backward compatible with older IGET Bar Plus 6,000-puff pods. However, older pods may not fully support the real-time e-liquid monitoring display on the S3 screen. -
What should I do if the S3 screen shows 0% e-liquid but the flavor still tastes normal?
The e-liquid indicator is an estimate based on average puff duration. If it reads 0% but you do not detect a burnt taste, you may still get a few more draws. However, it is recommended to replace the pod promptly to avoid a dry hit, which can burn the internal cotton wick and produce unpleasant vapor.
