Description
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Bottom Line Statement
Note to Reader: We are not getting paid by manufacturer, this is an independent review
The Basics About This Device
When it was launched IQOS 3.0 Multi instantly became a user favorite for Heat-Not-Burn devices. It improved the speed and convenience at which IQOS devices could be enjoyed. Nevertheless, IQOS 3.0 Multi has it’s flaws as well. For example, it can only be used 10 times before needing charging and it is expensive. iBuddy, a brand new to Heat180 reviews, offers an alternative to IQOS that provides more uses, is inexpensive, and is satisfying!
iBuddy Se is one of brand’s newest devices. Unlike other iBuddy Heat-Not-Burn devices, Se is not boxy, but rather is compact and sleek. iBuddy Se is a multi-use device, meaning that it can be used approximately 16 times before needing to be charged. iBuddy does not offer temperature adjustment or length of cycle adjustment. It also does not include a self-cleaning feature. It is, however, the fastest charging device we’ve ever reviewed, which makes it perfect for frequent and on-the-go users!
iBuddy comes in 3 colors; white, black, or red
| HIGLIGHTS | |
|---|---|
| HeatSticks | HEETS, Marlboro for IQOS |
| Number of Cycles (aka number of HeatSticks before needing to recharge device) | Officially 12-13, but our test users got 16 |
| Charging Time | 35 minutes |
| Price | $45USD |
| Durability | Good |
| Life Expectancy | 1 year |
| Maintenance | Okay |
| Colors | Black, Silver, Red |
Product Unboxing & First Use
Included in the iBuddy Se kit is the device, the Se manual, a USB cable, and cleaning sticks. Once everything is out of the box, check the device charge by pressing the control button once. The LED indicator light will show the percent of charge remaining in the device. Blue indicates more than 70% charge remaining, green indicates 70%-50%, and yellow indicates less than 50% charge. We recommend charging all new HnB devices before use, even if the device indicates that it has a high charge remaining. Usually, this doesn’t take too long and its a good way to familiarize yourself with the device.
To charge the device simply attach the USB cable to an adaptor (note that the kit does not include an adaptor) and plug it into a power source. When connected, the LED indicator light will light up red if it is in need of charge. It will stay lit until fully charged, at which point the lit will turn off and you can unplug the device. One of our favorite things about iBuddy Se is that it takes only 35 minutes to charge the device fully! This is the fastest charging time we have EVER seen on a Heat-Not-Burn device! Impressive!
Now your iBuddy Se is ready to heat! Insert a HeatStick into the HeatSticks heating chamber, then press and hold the control button to begin the heating process. The device will vibrate and the LED indicator light will flash red as the device heats. Once fully heated, the device will vibrate once more and the LED indicator light will turn solid red. Your iBuddy Se is now ready to use!
The cycle will last approximately 3 minutes and 56 seconds. When it is nearing the end the device will vibrate once again as a warning that it will soon power off. If you ever need to stop the cycle, you can press and hold the control button until the LED light turns white and begins to flash, then turns off entirely.
One thing that really impressed us about our iBuddy Se experiences, was the temperature that the device runs at, approximately, 267° C or 513° F! This is the highest temperature of any Heat-Not-Burn device we’ve tested so far! It even beats out IQOS, which claims that their devices heat to 350° C/ 662° F, but our testing has always found that they hover around 250° C or 482° F. The high temperature makes for a great “smoking” experience, as it really brings out the flavor of the HeatStick!
Unfortunately, the high temperature does mean that the device does get somewhat hot to the touch, especially after two or three consecutive uses, but never to the point of burning your hand. The ‘iBuddy Se Tips’ included in the kit do recommend waiting 3-5 minutes between uses to avoid this problem.
When you are finished using iBuddy, push the HeatSticks eject button up and take the HeatStick out. This helps reduce the amount of residue left in the HeatSticks heating chamber. If you forget, though, it’s no big deal, just make sure to carefully clean the heating chamber next time you do your regular cleaning.
One design feature we would like to see in the next iBuddy device is to have the HeatSticks eject button push the HeatSticks heating chamber insert up, but also to bring it back down. As it is, when you push the HeatSticks eject button, the heating chamber insert comes up to allow you to take the HeatStick out, but then you have to push it back down by pressing on it – the button does nothing to lower it back down to its natural position. This isn’t a big deal, just something we’d like to see in the next iBuddy!
Day to Day Use
We say this in all our reviews, but make sure you clean regularly! Cleaning regularly is the best way to keep your device functioning well! One of our few complaints about iBuddy Se is that it does not have a self-cleaning function. It is so convenient in every other way, but unfortunately you have to manually clean this device. Don’t worry though, as cleaning is easy!
To start, just press the HeatSticks eject button up until the HeatSticks heating chamber insert comes out at the top. Once it’s up far enough, pull it out the rest of the way – it comes out easily. Then gently lower your cleaning brush into the HeatSticks heating chamber and rotate it to get rid of residue. If you have Heat-Not-Burn cleaning sticks on hand, those would work too.
When you’re done, replace the heating chamber insert and you’re ready to go again!
| HOW TO USE | |
|---|---|
| How To Turn ON/Off | Press and hold control button until device vibrates and the LED indicator lights begin flashing |
| Temperature Adjustment? | No |
| Heating Time? | 18 seconds |
| Indication that the Heating Process has Started | LED indicator light flashes red and device vibrates |
| Indication that Device is Ready to Use | LED indicator light stops flashing and turns solid red, and device vibrates |
| Length of Cycle | 3 minutes, 56 seconds |
| Indication that Device is Powering Off | Vibration and in the last second the LED indicator light flashed white 3 times |
| How to Shut Off Device | Press and hold control button |
| Number of Cycles (aka number of HeatSticks before needing to recharge device) | Officially 12-13, but our test users got 16 |
| How to Check Battery Status | Press control button once |
| Indicate when Device Needs Cleaning? | No |
| How Often Should You Clean the Device? | At least once a week |
| Self-Cleaning Function | No |
| How to Manually Clean Device | See section titled 'Testing - Day to Day Use' |
| Troubleshooting | See 'iBuddy Se Manual' button below |
Investing in a iBuddy Device
iBuddy Se is a great device to have on hand! It is convenient, lightweight, and provides a satisfying experience. Our test users absolutely loved that it was able to reach such high temperatures! They also loved that it was fast-charging which made it super convenient!
iBuddy is manufactured by Shenzhen Buddy Technology Co. Ltd. The company was founded in 2008 and is known for their vapes and HnB devices.
iBuddy products have been growing in popularity for the past few years! Perhaps they are becoming well-known, since their products are well-liked. Currently, almost all iBuddy devices on AliExpress have 5 star ratings with users often recommending the brand. We think that, for the price, iBuddy is a great alternative to more expensive devices like IQOS 3.0 Multi.
HeatSticks Overview
The iBuddy brand does not product their own HeatSticks. Instead, their devices are designed to work with other branded HeatSticks, such as HEETS and Marlboro for IQOS HeatSticks.
*note* iBuddy does mention the ‘iBuddystick’ in their manual. We too were confused when we read this, but they actually just mean IQOS branded HeatSticks
iBuddy Se Manual
Warranty
iBuddy does not disclose their warranty terms. Instead, the company recommends that you contact them if you have technical issues with your device or are not satisfied up to 14 days after receiving your iBuddy device, but only if it was purchased from iBuddy directly. It appears that if you purchased the device from an alternative distributor (for example, an unauthorized Aliexpress store), your device will not be covered by a warranty in any way.
Specs
| SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Kit Price | $48USD |
| Diameters | 84 x 25 x 15 mm |
| Weight | 43g |
| Weight with Packaging | 199g |
| Material | Aluminium Alloy |
| Battery Type | Li-ion (900mAh) |
| Power Input | USB Cable |
| Charging Time | 35 minutes |
| Time it Takes for Device to Heat | 18 seconds |
| Maximum Blade Temperature | 267 C/ 513 F |
| Temperature Adjustment | Yes |
| How Many Cycles Before Device Needs Charging | Officially 12-13, but our test users got 16 |
| How Long Does a Cycle Last | 3 minutes, 56 seconds |
| HeatSticks | HEETS, Marlboro for IQOS |
| Built-In Cleaning Mechanism | No |
| Can Kit Accessories be Purchased Separately | No |
| Colors Available | Black, Silver, Red |
| Comparable To | IQOS 3.0 Multi |
| UNBOXING | |
|---|---|
| In the Kit | Device USB Cable Manual Cleaning Accessories |
| Manual Languages | ZHO, EN |
| Warranty Terms | Warranty terms are not disclosed, read more here |
| FIRST IMPRESSION | |
|---|---|
| How Does It Look? | Clean and shiny |
| How Does It Feel? | Solid |
| Easy To Use? | Yes |
| Easy To Clean? | Somewhat |
| MANUFACTURER OVERVIEW | |
|---|---|
| Device | iBuddy Se |
| Release Date | Unknown |
| Manufacturer | Shenzhen Buddy Technology Development Co. Ltd. |
| Location of Manufacturer | Shenzhen, China |
| Year in Business | 2015 |
| Manufacturer Website | Here |
| Impression of Manufacturer's Website | Easy to navigate |
| Manufacturer Contact Information for Customer Service | sales@ibuddycig.com |
| Manufacturer Contact Information for Wholesalers | Skype: +86-755-6155 2385 |
| Countries the Manufacturer is Wholesaling to | Unknown |
| Countries the Manufacturer Would Like to Wholesale to | Unknown |
| Full Product Line that the Manufacturer Offers | iBuddy Se, iBuddy iS, iBuddy i1 |
| Where to Buy | Online |
| Where to Buy iBuddy Se and other iBuddy devices? | Here or Here |
| Shipping and delivery time | Varies based on region |
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George from the heat180 community –
With its metallic finish, it feels solid in the hand.