ICEMAX 12000 vs IceBomb 18000: What Changed, and Should You Switch?

If you are here, you probably went to reorder your ICEMAX and found the “no longer in production” notice. This is the full answer to what happened and what to do about it. The ICEMAX 12000 is discontinued and will not be restocked — though a second-generation ICEMAX is expected in October 2026. The IceBomb 18000 is the device the manufacturer built to replace it, and it keeps most of the flavors, but it is not a drop-in swap: the tank is bigger and visible and the device is physically different — though the nicotine stays at 3%. Below is a spec-for-spec comparison, a flavor carry-over list, and our recommendation for who should switch and who should look elsewhere.

Spec comparison

What actually changed

1. The nicotine did not change — both are 3%

This is the thing most people get wrong, shops included. ICEMAX was one of the few high-capacity devices at 3% (30 mg), and the softer throat hit was a big part of why people bought it. The IceBomb 18000 we stock is also 3% (30 mg) — not the 5% that most of this class ships at. If ICEMAX felt right to you, the IceBomb will feel like the same strength; what changes is capacity, tank and coil, not how hard it hits. Be aware that a 5% version of the IceBomb 18000 does exist on the wider market, so check the strength before buying it anywhere else.

2. Fifty percent more puffs and a visible tank

Eighteen thousand rated puffs against twelve, for one dollar more, takes the cost per 1,000 puffs from $1.42 to $1.00. The 12 mL tank is visible through a window on the side, so you can see how much is left instead of guessing, which was the number one complaint about ICEMAX.

3. Mesh coil instead of ceramic

ICEMAX used a ceramic coil, which gave it a smooth, slightly muted flavor and a very consistent draw. The IceBomb uses a mesh coil, which is punchier: more vapor, brighter flavor, stronger cooling. Fans of the ceramic softness will notice the difference; most people prefer the mesh once they are used to it.

4. Cooling is stronger

The IceBomb’s menthol-plus-Koolada blend is colder than ICEMAX’s menthol. If you liked ICEMAX for a gentle chill, start with the tea flavors (Peach Oolong Ice Tea, Jasmine Milk Tea), which carry the least cooling in the lineup.

Flavor carry-over

Sixteen IceBomb flavors, nearly all of them ICEMAX names. The ones our ICEMAX customers ask about most:

Stock rotates by flavor, so if the one you want shows as unavailable, use the notify-me button on the product page rather than assuming it is gone.

Who should switch

Switch if you bought ICEMAX for the flavors, especially Coconut Water or Peach Oolong Ice Tea, and you are fine at 5% nicotine. You get the same taste family, half again as many puffs, a visible tank and a lower cost per puff.

Who should not switch

If 3% nicotine is the reason you chose ICEMAX, the IceBomb is the wrong device. Two alternatives we carry that keep the ICEMAX-style tea and beverage flavors at lower strength:

RELX Creator Pro + Creator pods (3%). A $12.99 rechargeable device with $9.99 five-pod packs rated at 35,000 puffs, in flavors including Longjing Ice Tea, Tieguanyin Ice Tea, Coconut Water and Lychee Ice. Same beverage-style flavor family, lower nicotine, and you can change flavors between pods.

Crosin 40K (1%). If you want an even lighter hit, the Crosin runs 1% (10 mg) nicotine salt with Jasmine Green Tea, Oolong Tea, Cola, Miami Mint and Pineapple flavors, 40,000 puffs for $18.50. It is the device we recommend to former ICEMAX users who found even 3% a little strong.

What to do with a leftover ICEMAX

Use it. Discontinuation does not affect devices already made; the liquid and battery are fine. Scan the QR code to verify it is authentic, and buy your next device from a store that will tell you plainly when something is discontinued instead of quietly substituting.

Frequently asked questions

Is ICEMAX 12000 discontinued?

Yes, that model is. The manufacturer has stopped production of the ICEMAX 12,000-puff device and it will not be restocked — but a second-generation ICEMAX is expected in October 2026. Any remaining 12,000 units in the market are old inventory; we recommend checking the QR code on the box before buying from a third party.

Is the IceBomb 18000 made by the same company as ICEMAX?

IceBomb is positioned as the successor to ICEMAX and carries over most of the ICEMAX flavor list, but it is a different product line with different dimensions, a different tank and a different coil. Treat it as a new device, not a re-badge.

Is the IceBomb 18000 3% like ICEMAX was?

Yes. The IceBomb 18000 we stock is 3% (30 mg/mL) nicotine salt, the same strength ICEMAX ran, which is unusual for a device this size — most high-capacity disposables in 2026 ship at 5%. A 5% version of the IceBomb does exist on the wider market, so check the label if you buy it elsewhere. Other 3% options we carry are the ICE BOMB Pod Kit and the RELX Creator system, both with overlapping tea and beverage flavors.

Which ICEMAX flavors are available in IceBomb?

Coconut Water, Miami Mint, Peach Oolong Ice Tea, Longjing Ice Tea, Jasmine Milk Tea, Watermelon Ice, Strawberry Ice, Lychee Ice, Green Grape Ice, Green Apple Ice, Kiwi Blast, Lemon Pineapple, Passion Grapefruit, Sour Guava Ice, Banana Freeze and Fresh Lemon: 16 flavors, most of which were in the ICEMAX lineup.

WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. All products discussed are intended for adults 21+ only. Nothing in this article is medical advice. Prices and availability were checked on September 1, 2026 and may change.