Quick summary: Bedford Slims Vapourettes are a decent middle-of-the road e-cigarette, but without some of the features we look for in an electronic cigarette. They’re also not slim. They do offer an option to start with their system very inexpensively, however.

When we agreed to review Bedford Slims Vapourettes, we expected to receive one of the first slim and stylish e-cigs we’d ever seen. What arrived, however, was a typical electronic cigarette: it was indeed stylish, with a black pattern design on the battery and all-black cartridge – but the diameter is the same as a standard e-cigarette. We believe the design would definitely appeal more to women, but not to those in search of a “Virginia Slims” look.

The draw on a Bedford Slim was fine, with a mild throat hit and decent vapor clouds on the exhale. There’s a slight noise on the inhale, which the company tells us is designed to simulate the sound of crackling tobacco. One thing we did like was the unique packaging of the cartridges, which come in sealed cellophane; there’s no question it keeps the carts fresh, as the aroma was immediately noticeable when we opened the cellophane – even moreso than with more common blisterpack packaging.

Bedford Slims Vapourettes are available in just three flavors: tobacco, menthol and dark roast (with gingko biloba added to the coffee flavoring). They also come in just three strengths: 24mg (extra strong), 12 mg (light) and zero nicotine. We prefer a wider selection, but these may be just the right flavors/strengths for you. We thought the dark roast was the best of the three flavors, with a nice coffee flavor and no aftertaste.

The product catalog doesn’t include a few of the extras or add-ons that we’re accustomed to seeing. The most obvious accessory that is missing is an AC adapter to connect to the charger; you are limited to a USB adapter to charge from your computer, unless you find a compatible AC adapter somewhere else. On the positive side, we were surprised that their equivalent of a disposable e-cigarette is really a rechargeable battery with one removable cartridge, so that you can actually buy the “mini-kit” for just $12.00, then add a USB charger for another $10.00 and have the equivalent of a starter kit. They’ve also added a starter kit with two batteries, for just an extra $8.00 over the regular kit.

We wouldn’t choose this product as a featured electronic cigarette for the reasons we mentioned. But if you’re searching for a decent e-cig that you can “get into” for just a few bucks and the cartridge selections match your needs, it’s a pretty good choice.

PRICE: Starter kits range from $34.00 to $105.00. (Note: price comparisons are difficult because each company includes different products in their kits.) Use the code “smoke10″ for a 10% discount on all Bedford Slims merchandise. (Note: the availability of discount codes for our visitors has no effect, pro or con, on our reviews.)

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