When it comes to quitting smoking or transitioning away from traditional cigarettes, the market is usually split into two categories: high-nicotine vapes that satisfy the craving but keep you addicted, or nicotine patches and gums that satisfy the physical addiction but completely ignore the psychological habit of “smoking” something.
NICOLESS, a brand that originally became famous in Japan for creating nicotine-free tea-leaf sticks designed to be smoked in IQOS devices, is attempting to bridge that gap with their newest release: the NICOLESS VAPE 2.
This device is a completely nicotine-free, disposable vape pen designed specifically for smokers looking for a tactile, flavorful, and habit-satisfying way to taper off nicotine. Retailing for around $9.50 USD (1,350 JPY) per stick, it removes the need for expensive heat-not-burn hardware altogether. Based on an extensive flavor breakdown and review by HORICK TV, here is an in-depth look at whether this disposable is actually a viable tool for kicking your nicotine habit.
The Hardware: Simplicity at Its Best
The entire appeal of the disposable vape market is frictionless convenience, and the NICOLESS VAPE 2 leans into this heavily. There are no pods to refill, no coils to change, no buttons to press, and shockingly, no batteries to charge. It is a completely sealed, draw-activated system. You simply inhale from the mouthpiece, and the device fires automatically. When the e-liquid runs out, you dispose of the entire pen.
Physically, the device is incredibly slim and lightweight, weighing in at just 32 grams. It mimics the elongated, slender profile of a traditional cigarette or an IQOS holder much closer than the thick, boxy disposables currently dominating the market (like Elf Bars or Geek Bars). This form factor makes it exceptionally easy to carry in a pocket without any noticeable bulge.
Two standout hardware features elevate it above typical cheap disposables:
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The Transparent Liquid Window: Unlike most sealed disposables where you have to guess how much juice is left until it suddenly tastes burnt, the NICOLESS VAPE 2 features a clear window at the top. You can visually monitor your exact e-liquid level, ensuring you are never caught off guard while out and about.
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The Built-in Hygiene Cap: The device comes with an attached, tethered silicone cap that fits securely over the mouthpiece. For a device that will likely spend hours bouncing around in a lint-filled pocket or purse, this is a massive hygiene win that prevents dust and debris from getting into the airway.
Battery and Puff Count: The True Cost
The NICOLESS VAPE 2 advertises 900 puffs per device. However, puff counts on disposable vapes are notoriously exaggerated marketing metrics based on machine-tested, fractional-second micro-puffs.
If you take standard, 2-to-3-second lung inhales, you should realistically expect the device to last a few days of moderate use. Because there is no USB charging port, the internal battery is calibrated to die roughly at the same time the e-liquid runs dry.
At approximately $9.50 USD per stick, it is significantly cheaper than buying packs of traditional cigarettes or IQOS TEREA sticks over the course of a week. For someone aggressively trying to lower their nicotine intake without breaking the bank, the financial math works out incredibly well in favor of the NICOLESS.
The Flavor Breakdown: A Departure from the “Sugar Rush”
If you are accustomed to modern disposable vapes, you are likely used to hyper-sweet, double-concentrated flavors loaded with intense artificial cooling agents. NICOLESS takes the exact opposite approach. The flavor profiles here are designed for adult smokers—they are subdued, natural, and specifically formulated not to fatigue your palate over the course of a day.
The lineup consists of 9 total flavors (an original 6, plus 3 newly released options). Here is how the most notable profiles performed during testing:
The Original Lineup (Subtle & Refreshing)
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Muscat (Green Grape): Extremely subtle and light. It tastes less like a sugary grape candy and more like a lightly flavored, chilled grape water. It is not overly sweet, making it an excellent all-day vape for those who dislike heavy flavors.
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Sakura Grape: A surprisingly sophisticated blend. It delivers a mild grape base but finishes with a distinct, floral cherry blossom (sakura) aroma on the exhale. It is highly unique and completely avoids the medicinal taste common in grape vapes.
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Cafe Latte: A massive standout for tobacco users. It accurately replicates the rich, roasted aroma of a coffeehouse latte without relying on heavy sugars or cooling agents. It is the perfect companion for a morning routine, providing a deep, satisfying flavor that pairs beautifully with the physical habit of smoking.
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Ultra Hard Menthol: This is the heavy hitter for smokers desperately trying to quit. It contains zero sweetness and zero fruit notes. It acts purely as a brutal, throat-hitting ice blast—similar to chewing an intense, sleep-fighting mint gum. If you are craving the harsh throat hit of a real cigarette, this is the flavor that will trick your brain the most effectively.
The New Lineup (Juicy & Vibrant)
The three newly released flavors mark a slight shift in formulation, leaning into a slightly sweeter, juicier profile without crossing into “candy” territory.
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Peach Mint: The absolute star of the entire NICOLESS lineup. It is incredibly juicy, perfectly balancing the natural sweetness of a ripe peach with a crisp, refreshing mint exhale. It tastes remarkably similar to premium peach mint candies and offers a much fuller body than the original fruit flavors.
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Orange Citrus: This flavor completely ditches sweetness in favor of a sharp, realistic citrus tartness. If you suffer from “vaper’s tongue” or find most vapes too cloying, this sour, zesty orange profile is the perfect palate cleanser.
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Lychee Squash: A highly authentic, aromatic lychee flavor. It is deeply fragrant, meaning if you don’t love the floral, tropical scent of real lychee, you might find it overpowering. But for fruit lovers, the accuracy is impressive.
The Verdict: Is It Actually Effective for Quitting?
Quitting smoking is a two-front war: you have to break the chemical addiction to nicotine, and you have to break the psychological addiction to the physical habit of hand-to-mouth inhalation.
Nicotine patches only address the chemical side. Vaping nicotine salts only addresses the physical side (while keeping you addicted).
The NICOLESS VAPE 2 bridges the gap perfectly. By offering zero nicotine, it allows your body to chemically detox. But by providing a tactile, draw-activated pen with adult-focused, satisfying flavors (like Cafe Latte and Ultra Hard Menthol), it completely satisfies the psychological oral fixation that causes most people to relapse.
Pros:
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Zero Nicotine: A genuine tool for chemical tapering and smoking cessation.
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E-Liquid Window: No more burnt hits; you always know exactly how much juice remains.
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Adult Flavor Profiles: Avoids the sickeningly sweet, candy-like flavors of standard disposables.
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Hygiene Cap: Keeps the mouthpiece clean in your pocket or bag.
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Affordable: At roughly $9.50 USD, it is a highly cost-effective alternative to IQOS sticks.
Cons:
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Non-Rechargeable: Once the battery dies, any leftover liquid is trapped.
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Flavor Intensity: Vapers used to extremely sweet disposables may find the original lineup too weak.
If you are ready to finally walk away from nicotine but you know you will miss the physical act of taking a smoke break, the NICOLESS VAPE 2 is one of the smartest, most convenient cessation tools on the market today.