Two pod devices can look almost identical and still feel completely different on the first draw. One runs warm, one feels tight, and one takes a split second too long to fire. That gap is exactly what the RELX Super Smooth™ standard performance indicators try to pin down.
Instead of calling a device “smooth” and leaving it there, RELX broke smoothness into five numbers: vapor temperature, draw resistance, activation speed, inhalation sound, and vapor weight per puff. Two in-house technologies, Active-Steam Pro and Air Boost, support those targets.
In this guide, you’ll learn what each number means, how RELX pods and battery condition affect them, and what these figures do and don’t prove. If you already use the RELX Pod Pro, you’ll also see why pod choice matters more than most people think.
What Is the RELX Super Smooth™ Standard?
The RELX Super Smooth™ Standard is the brand’s own performance benchmark. It defines what a “smooth” puff should feel like using measurable targets instead of marketing adjectives.
According to RELX’s official Super Smooth page, more than 100 R&D scientists from the RELX Lab built the standard through 76 sensory tests and adjustments, then condensed the results into five performance indicators.
The key idea is consistency. RELX doesn’t judge a device on one number. It looks at temperature, airflow, responsiveness, sound, and vapor mass together, because a puff can be warm and quiet yet still feel weak.
It helps to separate three things here:
- Sensory testing: trained people rate how a puff feels.
- Engineering measurement: instruments record temperature, pressure, time, sound, and mass.
- Independent certification: an outside body verifies results against a public standard.
The Super Smooth™ Standard combines the first two. It is a manufacturer-defined benchmark, not an independent certification. RELX runs its own lab and says it built its quality program after referencing 30 standards, but the five indicators remain company-reported figures.
That matters because repeatable testing is what makes a number useful. And one more point, stated plainly: a smooth-feeling benchmark does not show that a device carries lower health risks.
Quick Reference: The Five Performance Indicators
| Indicator | RELX benchmark | What it describes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfortable vapor temperature | Under 55°C | Vapor temperature at the measurement point |
| Optimized draw resistance | ±0.4 kPa tolerance | Allowed variation from target resistance |
| Fast activation | About 0.2 seconds | Draw-triggered atomizer response |
| Quiet use | Under 10 dB | Inhalation sound in lab conditions |
| Rich vapor weight | 6–7.5 mg per puff | Total vapor mass per defined puff |
The RELX Super Smooth 5 Indicators Explained
Each of the RELX Super Smooth 5 indicators measures a different part of the experience. Here’s what each one means and how to read it.
1. Comfortable Vapor Temperature: Under 55°C
RELX lists a vapor temperature below 55°C. This is the temperature of the vapor itself, not the coil. The heating element runs far hotter; the vapor cools as it travels up the airway to your mouth.
So the measurement point matters. A reading taken at the mouthpiece outlet tells you how warm the puff feels on your lips and tongue. That’s the part that shapes mouthfeel.
Room temperature, puff length, and airflow all shift the result. A long draw in a hot Dubai car will not behave like a short lab puff at controlled room temperature. And a comfortable temperature only means less perceived heat. It does not mean inhalation is harmless or irritation-free.
2. Optimized Draw Resistance: ±0.4 kPa
Draw resistance is the pressure difference you create when you pull air through the device. It’s the “tight” or “loose” feeling of a draw.
The ±0.4 kPa figure is a tolerance. It tells you how far units may vary from RELX’s target resistance. RELX publishes the tolerance but not the central reference value, so read it as a consistency promise, not as a tightness rating.
Airflow channels and pod construction both shape this number. That’s why the RELX mouthfeel standard depends on the pod as much as the device.
3. Fast and Sensitive Activation: Approximately 0.2 Seconds
RELX devices are draw-activated. An airflow sensor detects your inhale and switches on the atomizer. RELX rates this response at roughly 0.2 seconds.
A short delay makes the device feel instant. However, sensor triggering and full vapor production are two different moments. The coil still needs a brief moment to reach working temperature after it switches on.
Battery health, the electronics, and how hard you draw all affect real-world timing. Don’t expect every single puff to fire in exactly 0.2 seconds.
4. Quiet Use: Under 10 dB
RELX lists inhalation sounds below 10 dB. For context, 10 dB sits near the bottom of human hearing, close to the sound of normal breathing.
Sound readings depend heavily on microphone distance, background noise, the room, and the meter used. RELX doesn’t publish that setup, so treat the number as a lab result. In a quiet bedroom, you may still hear a faint airflow hiss. A sub-10 dB score means discreet, not silent.
5. Rich Vapor Weight: 6–7.5 mg per puff
RELX rates each puff at 6 to 7.5 mg of total vapor mass. This is weighed, not judged by eye.
Vapor mass is not the same as cloud size, flavor strength, or nicotine intake. Puff duration, airflow, and the e-liquid formula all change the result. RELX doesn’t list the exact puff profile behind the figure, so compare it only against devices tested the same way. A higher number does not mean better performance or lower risk.
How Do Active-Steam Pro and Air Boost Technology Work?
RELX credits two technologies for hitting the five targets. Here’s the RELX vape technology explained in plain terms.
Active-Steam Pro: Heating and Temperature Management
RELX states that Active-Steam Pro keeps vapor volume and quality consistent by actively balancing and controlling atomizing power and temperature.
In engineering terms, that’s power regulation. A lithium battery’s voltage drops as it drains. Without control circuitry, the coil gets less power, and the puff weakens. A regulated system adjusts output to keep heating steadier across the charge.
Battery condition still plays a role, and how much depends on each model’s circuitry. RELX does not publish a specific low-battery output figure on its Super Smooth page, so don’t expect identical puffs at 5% charge. Capacity varies too: RELX lists the Artisan at 380 mAh and the Essential at 350 mAh. If your device acts up on power, this RELX charging fix guide walks through the usual causes.
Air Boost: Airflow and Vapor Delivery
Air Boost is RELX’s airway design. According to RELX, its aerodynamic shape creates negative pressure that pushes vapor upward from the atomizer.
Airway geometry directly affects draw resistance and how evenly vapor moves to the mouthpiece. So Air Boost connects most clearly to indicators two and five. Still, airflow alone doesn’t set vapor mass or temperature. The coil, the power control, and the liquid all work together.
How Are the Five RELX Performance Indicators Measured?
Objective measurements use instruments. Sensory assessments use people. The RELX performance benchmark draws on both.
Each indicator needs its own tool. Temperature sensors at the outlet record vapor heat. Pressure gauges on a puffing machine record draw resistance. Timing equipment captures activation. A sound level meter records noise. A precision scale weighs collected vapor.
Every number also needs a defined protocol. Calibrated equipment, a fixed puff profile, and a controlled room keep results repeatable. Without those, two labs could test the same device and get different answers.
RELX publishes the results but not full test methods. That doesn’t make the numbers wrong. It means you should read them as company-reported results, not independently reproduced findings.
How Do Pods and Device Compatibility Affect Performance?
The five indicators come from a device and pod working as one system.
The Relationship Between Device Electronics and Pod Design
The device controls power. The pod holds the coil, the wick, and part of the airway. Change the pod and you change airflow resistance, heating behavior, and vapor output.
RELX lists the Pod Pro, with 1.9 mL capacity and 0 or 18 mg/mL nicotine options, as compatible with the Essential and Artisan. Newer pods add features. For example, the official RELX Indonesia store notes that the Infinity 2’s power adjustment only works with Pod Pro 2, so pairing it with RELX Pod Pro 2 unlocks the full feature set. Listings like the Pod Pro 18mg show the strength clearly, so check that before you buy.
Why Using the Correct Compatible Pod Matters
Always check the manufacturer’s compatibility list for your exact model. Older pods or third-party alternatives may differ in airflow and coil design, so they may not reproduce the stated benchmarks. That doesn’t mean every alternative fails. It means the numbers only apply to tested pairings.
RELX device and pod compatibility, product authenticity, and performance are three separate questions. A genuine pod can still taste flat if it’s used wrong, as these common RELX mistakes show.
How Can Consumers Use the RELX Performance Benchmark to Compare Devices?
Use the five indicators to understand RELX’s approach, then compare real specs model by model.
The RELX Infinity Plus and RELX Infinity 2 suit users who want a slim everyday device. The Infinity 2 adds a 440 mAh battery, faster charging, a battery indicator, and three-level wattage adjustment. The RELX Artisan adds premium leather, SmartPace vibration alerts, and a 380 mAh battery. RELX’s official comparison lists both the Essential and Artisan as Super Smooth™ devices.
When you compare, check:
- Supported pods
- Battery capacity and charging time
- Power settings
- Cleaning and maintenance instructions
Compare figures only under equal test conditions, and treat the benchmark as a target, not a guarantee.
Where to buy in the UAE: TEREA Dubai stocks RELX devices and pods with delivery across the UAE. Before ordering from any seller:
- Confirm the exact pod generation your device supports.
- Check the nicotine strength on the listing.
- Verify authenticity using the code on RELX packaging.
- Buy only if you are 18 or older.
You can also browse other Pod Pro 2 strengths and the wider Pod Pro 2 lineup to match your device.
Common Misconceptions About the RELX Super Smooth™ Standard
Does a Smoother Mouthfeel Mean Vaping Is Safer?
No. Smoothness describes comfort. It says nothing about health risk.
Will Every Device Produce the Same Results?
No. Model, pod, battery condition, and environment all change results.
Does Vapor Weight Measure Nicotine Intake?
No. Vapor mass and nicotine delivery are different measurements.
Is the Super Smooth™ Standard an Independent Certification?
No. RELX defined and reports it. It is a brand benchmark.
Does the Standard Guarantee Silent Operation?
No. Under 10 dB is a lab result. You may still hear a soft hiss. And if you spot liquid near the mouthpiece, learn the difference between leakage and condensation before assuming a fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RELX Super Smooth™ Standard?
It’s RELX’s performance benchmark. It defines smoothness through five indicators: temperature, draw resistance, activation, sound, and vapor mass.
What are the five RELX Super Smooth performance indicators?
Vapor temperature under 55°C, draw resistance tolerance of ±0.4 kPa, activation in about 0.2 seconds, inhalation sound under 10 dB, and 6–7.5 mg of vapor per puff.
What does the RELX mouthfeel standard measure?
It measures engineering traits that shape how consistent a draw feels. Comfort is not the same as safety.
What is RELX Active-Steam Pro?
It’s RELX’s heating control system. RELX says it balances atomizing power and temperature for consistent vapor.
What is RELX Air Boost technology?
It’s an airway design. RELX says it creates negative pressure that pushes vapor up from the atomizer.
Can battery level affect RELX device performance?
Yes. Battery condition can affect output, depending on the model’s power management. Keep your device charged for the most consistent draw.
Do RELX Infinity and Artisan devices use the Super Smooth™ Standard?
Yes. RELX launched the original Infinity with its Super Smooth™ Performance technology and lists the Artisan as Super Smooth™. Check model pages for newer versions.
Do RELX pods affect draw resistance and vapor output?
Yes. Pod airflow and coil design directly shape both. The extent depends on the device and pod pairing.
Conclusion: Understanding the RELX Super Smooth Performance Indicators
The RELX Super Smooth standard gives you five clear numbers: under 55°C, ±0.4 kPa, about 0.2 seconds, under 10 dB, and 6–7.5 mg per puff. Active-Steam Pro handles power and heat, while Air Boost handles airflow.
Real results still depend on your pod, battery, and conditions, so match your device with the right pod and check official model specs. Want more practical RELX tips? Explore our other guides before your next order.
Finally, keep perspective: smoothness and performance benchmarks do not make vaping safe.
