Choosing the wrong nicotine strength is frustrating. Go too low and you’re vaping constantly, still craving something more. Go too high and every draw feels like too much.
Most people figure this out through trial and error. But you don’t have to.
RELX keeps their nicotine lineup simple and clear. Two pod series. Four nicotine options. This guide explains each one in plain language so you can make the right call from day one — whether you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere across the UAE.
What Makes RELX Nicotine Different from Other Vapes
Before diving into the numbers, one thing is worth understanding.
RELX uses nicotine salts, not freebase nicotine. This is the same form of nicotine found naturally in tobacco leaves. It’s absorbed faster by the body, feels smoother on the throat, and delivers satisfaction more efficiently at higher concentrations.
This is why RELX strengths look higher than what you might see on a box mod or sub-ohm device. Those devices use freebase nicotine — a different form that feels harsher at higher concentrations and absorbs more slowly.
In simple terms: 30mg nicotine salt in a RELX feels nothing like 30mg freebase in a tank device. The RELX version is smoother, faster, and more cigarette-like.
That context matters a lot when you’re choosing your level.
The RELX Nicotine Lineup: What’s Available in the UAE
RELX offers two pod series in the UAE, each with specific nicotine options.
| Pod Series | Nicotine Options | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|
| RELX Pod Pro | 18mg (1.8%) | Light smokers, stepdown users |
| RELX Pod Pro 2 | 30mg (3%) | Moderate daily smokers |
| RELX Pod Pro 2 | 50mg (5%) | Heavy smokers |
| RELX Pod Pro 2 | 1.55% | Measured low-strength option |
Four clear options. Each one designed for a different type of user. Let’s go through them one by one.
RELX Pod Pro — 18mg Nicotine
The RELX Pod Pro 18mg is the entry-level strength in the RELX nicotine range.
At 1.8% nicotine by volume, it’s designed for users who don’t need a strong hit to feel satisfied.
Who Should Use 18mg?
- Light smokers — roughly 5 cigarettes or fewer per day
- Social smokers who smoke occasionally rather than out of habit
- People who have already stepped down from a higher strength
- Anyone sensitive to strong throat sensations
What the Draw Feels Like
The 18mg draw is noticeably gentle. The throat hit is mild. Flavour comes through clearly because the nicotine isn’t dominating the experience.
If you smoked light or ultra-light cigarettes, this will feel most natural. If you smoked regular or strong cigarettes, this strength will likely leave you unsatisfied and reaching for more puffs than you’d expect.
When 18mg Isn’t Enough
Frequent cravings between sessions. Vaping more often than feels normal. Still thinking about cigarettes. These are signs 18mg isn’t matching your nicotine need. Move up to 30mg.
RELX Pod Pro 2 — Three Nicotine Variants
The RELX Pod Pro 2 is the newer pod series. It comes in three nicotine options, making it the more versatile of the two.
The Pod Pro 2 also uses an upgraded mesh coil. This gives more consistent vapour production and more even nicotine delivery across every draw — right from the first puff to the last.
RELX Pod Pro 2 at 30mg
30mg is the most commonly chosen option among regular smokers switching to RELX in the UAE.
At 3% nicotine, it sits in the middle of the range. The throat hit is present but smooth. Nicotine delivery is fast enough to settle cravings within a minute or two of vaping.
This works best for:
- People smoking 10 to 20 cigarettes per day
- Regular smokers making the full switch from cigarettes
- Vapers coming from a medium-strength device
Most people describe 30mg as feeling closest to a mid-strength cigarette. Satisfying, but not overwhelming. It’s the safest starting point if you’re unsure.
RELX Pod Pro 2 at 50mg
50mg is the strongest option in the RELX UAE range. At 5% nicotine, it’s built for heavy smokers.
The nicotine hit is fast and noticeable. Cravings settle quickly. The throat sensation is stronger than lower strengths, which many heavy smokers actually prefer — it’s closer to what a full-flavour cigarette feels like.
This works best for:
- Smokers getting through 20 or more cigarettes daily
- Anyone who found 30mg unsatisfying after a fair trial
- People who smoked strong or full-flavour cigarette brands
One honest caution: If you’re a moderate smoker or new to vaping, don’t start here. 50mg can feel overwhelming and may cause dizziness or nausea if your body isn’t accustomed to that level. Start at 30mg and only move up if genuinely needed.
RELX Pod Pro 2 at 1.55%
This variant is expressed as a percentage rather than milligrams. That can cause confusion, so let’s clear it up.
1.55% does not mean the same as 50mg. They are two different concentrations, just expressed using different measurement systems.
To put it in context:
| Expression | Approximate mg/ml Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1.55% | ~15.5mg per ml |
| 30mg | 30mg per ml |
| 50mg | 50mg per ml |
So 1.55% sits below 30mg in terms of actual nicotine concentration. It’s a measured, moderate option for users who want something between 18mg and 30mg — or for those who prefer to think in percentage terms rather than milligrams.
This works best for:
- Users who find 30mg slightly too strong but 18mg slightly too weak
- Those who prefer a lower-dose option without going down to the Pod Pro 18mg
- Experienced vapers who understand nicotine percentages and prefer to work in those terms
If the 1.55% label confused you before, now you know — it’s simply a different way of expressing a moderate strength that sits comfortably in the middle of the range.
How to Choose Your RELX Nicotine Level: Step-by-Step
Not sure where to start? Work through this simple process.
Step 1 — Estimate Your Daily Cigarette Count Honestly
Count how many cigarettes you actually smoke on a regular day. Most people undercount by 3 to 5. Be honest with yourself.
| Daily Cigarettes | Starting Strength |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 | 18mg (Pod Pro) |
| 5 to 10 | 1.55% (Pod Pro 2) |
| 10 to 20 | 30mg (Pod Pro 2) |
| 20+ | 50mg (Pod Pro 2) |
Step 2 — Use That Strength for 3 to 5 Days
Don’t judge after one session. Your body needs a couple of days to adjust to both the device and the delivery method. Give it a real trial before deciding anything.
Step 3 — Read Your Body’s Signals
Strength is too low if:
- Cravings aren’t settling after vaping
- You’re drawing far more often than you smoked
- You still want a cigarette even with RELX in hand
Strength is too high if:
- You feel dizzy or lightheaded after a few draws
- Nausea, especially on an empty stomach
- Throat irritation that doesn’t ease up
- Feeling jittery or anxious after use
Step 4 — Adjust by One Level
If too low, step up one. If too high, step down one. The options are close enough together that one adjustment usually gets you to the right place.
Nicotine Strength and Flavour — What’s the Connection?
This doesn’t get talked about enough. Your nicotine strength genuinely affects how much flavour you taste.
At lower strengths like 18mg and 1.55%, the flavour profile of the pod comes through more clearly. Fruity, menthol, and dessert notes are more distinct. The nicotine doesn’t overpower the taste.
At 50mg, the stronger hit takes centre stage. The flavour is still there, but the intensity of the draw tends to dominate the experience. Some users prefer this. Others find they enjoy flavours more at 30mg.
If flavour matters to you as much as nicotine delivery, 30mg often strikes the best balance between the two.
How Long Does Each Pod Last?
Nicotine strength doesn’t affect how long a pod lasts. What affects lifespan is how often and how hard you draw.
| Usage Style | Approximate Daily Puffs | Pod Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Light user | 50 to 100 | 4 to 6 days |
| Moderate user | 100 to 200 | 2 to 3 days |
| Heavy user | 200 to 300+ | 1 to 2 days |
If your pods are running out significantly faster than this, or if flavour is fading very quickly, it’s worth checking whether it’s a usage pattern issue or a device fault. The common RELX problems and solutions guide covers pod and device troubleshooting in detail.
Stepping Down Nicotine Over Time
If reducing your nicotine intake is a long-term goal, RELX makes this relatively straightforward.
The natural stepping-down path looks like this:
50mg → 30mg → 1.55% → 18mg
The key is patience. Spend at least 4 to 6 weeks at each level before moving lower. Dropping too quickly almost always leads back to a higher strength or to cigarettes.
Let your body genuinely settle before the next step. Cravings should be minimal and manageable before you move down. If they’re not, you’re not ready yet — and that’s fine.
UAE Climate and Pod Storage
This matters more than most guides mention. The UAE heat and humidity can degrade nicotine quality in pods over time.
Nicotine oxidises when exposed to heat and light. A pod stored in a hot car or left on a sunny shelf will taste flat and deliver inconsistent nicotine — even if it’s a genuine RELX product.
Practical storage tips for UAE conditions:
- Keep pods in a cool, shaded place — a drawer or cabinet is ideal
- Never leave pods in a parked car during summer
- Store away from direct sunlight at all times
- Use pods within 12 months of purchase for best quality
- Keep the original packaging sealed until you’re ready to use
For full pod and device care guidance suited to the UAE climate, the RELX device care and maintenance guide has everything you need.
A Word on Fake Pods and Nicotine Accuracy
Counterfeit RELX pods are a real issue in the UAE market. And this connects directly to nicotine.
A fake pod labelled 30mg may contain significantly more or less nicotine than stated. Some contain unregulated ingredients. If you’re using RELX specifically to manage your nicotine intake — especially to transition off cigarettes — counterfeit pods completely undermine that process.
You simply cannot make informed choices based on inaccurate labels.
Always verify your pods before use. The RELX authenticity guide walks you through how to confirm your pods are genuine using RELX’s official scratch-and-verify system — before you open the pack.
Getting the Most from Your Pod at Any Strength
The nicotine level only delivers well if you’re using the device correctly. A few habits make a real difference.
- Wait 30 to 60 seconds after inserting a new pod before your first draw
- Draw slowly and steadily — RELX is a mouth-to-lung device, not a direct lung hit
- Give 20 to 30 seconds between draws to let the coil recover
- Store your device upright when possible to keep liquid near the coil
If you’re new to RELX or just want to make sure you’re using it properly, the RELX Pod Pro setup and usage guide walks through every step from unboxing to your first draw.
FAQ
- What is the difference between 50mg and 1.55% on RELX pods?
They are different concentrations expressed using different systems. 50mg means 50mg of nicotine per millilitre. 1.55% means 15.5mg per millilitre. So 50mg is significantly stronger than 1.55%. - Which RELX Pod Pro 2 strength should a first-time switcher from cigarettes choose?
Start with your honest daily cigarette count as your guide. Most regular smokers (10 to 20 per day) find 30mg the most natural starting point. Heavy smokers should consider 50mg. - Is 50mg nicotine dangerous in a RELX pod?
50mg nicotine salt in a low-power closed-pod device is designed specifically for heavy smokers. It’s within the standard range for this device type. It’s not recommended for non-smokers, light smokers, or those new to nicotine products. - Can I switch between Pod Pro and Pod Pro 2 on the same device?
Check your device compatibility first. Not all RELX devices support both pod series. Using the wrong pod type can affect performance and potentially damage the device. - Does more nicotine mean more vapour?
No. Vapour production depends on the device’s power output and the coil design, not the nicotine level. All Pod Pro 2 variants produce similar vapour volume regardless of strength. - How do I know when my nicotine strength is right?
When cravings settle comfortably after a short vaping session, you’re not drawing constantly throughout the day, and you don’t feel any dizziness or irritation — that’s the right level. - Which strength has the best flavour experience?
Generally, 30mg gives the best balance between nicotine satisfaction and flavour clarity. Lower strengths let flavour shine more but may not satisfy heavier nicotine needs.
Summary: Your RELX Nicotine Options at a Glance
| Option | Series | Strength | Right For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18mg | Pod Pro | Low | Light smokers, stepdown users |
| 1.55% | Pod Pro 2 | Low-moderate | Between 18mg and 30mg users |
| 30mg | Pod Pro 2 | Moderate | Regular daily smokers |
| 50mg | Pod Pro 2 | High | Heavy smokers, 20+ per day |
Start at the level that honestly matches your current habit. Give it a proper trial. Adjust once if needed. Most people find their fit within the first two tries.
The right nicotine strength makes vaping feel natural rather than forced. And that’s what makes the difference between a device you keep using and one that ends up in a drawer.