What's the difference between air up original and gen 2 water bottles?
The fundamental technology behind air up's flavor-by-scent system remains consistent across both the original and Gen 2 models. You still drink plain water, and the natural aromas from the pod are carried by air bubbles to your nose's olfactory region, where your brain perceives a taste. However, customer feedback on the original model spurred air up to implement several key enhancements in the Gen 2 version. The improvements focus on addressing past issues with leak-proofing, enhancing the drinking experience, and upgrading material sustainability.
The Original Air Up Bottle: A Solid Foundation
The first-generation air up bottle introduced the revolutionary concept of drinking water flavored by scent. It was an innovative solution for those who found plain water boring but wanted to avoid sugary drinks. The original bottle featured a push-pull mechanism to activate the flavor pods, where the user would manually pull the pod up to start the flavor and push it down to stop. While groundbreaking, this manual activation could sometimes be cumbersome. Customer reviews also frequently highlighted issues with the bottle's lid and seals, leading to frustrating leaks. Despite these flaws, it successfully established air up's unique place in the hydration market.
The Gen 2 Water Bottle: Refined and Enhanced
The Gen 2 is a significant evolution, built to perfect the user experience based on real-world feedback. It boasts a number of notable improvements that address the original model's shortcomings.
- ActiveOn Mouthpiece: The Gen 2 features an upgraded mouthpiece with internal struts that keep the flavor pod activated automatically. This eliminates the need to manually push and pull the pod, providing a seamless and continuous flavor experience with every sip.
- Advanced Leak-Proofing: Addressing a major pain point, the Gen 2 features a new and highly reliable leak-proof lid. This upgrade ensures the bottle is completely waterproof, a major relief for users on the go.
- No-Tipping Straw: The new model includes a longer, sturdier straw that allows for sipping without having to tip the bottle. This is a more comfortable and intuitive way to drink, especially for larger bottles.
- Sustainable Materials: The Gen 2 bottle is a more eco-friendly option. Bottles made from Tritan Renew are composed of 50% certified recycled content, and the manufacturing process uses 100% renewable energy. The company also highlights producing up to 88% less plastic waste compared to single-use bottles.
- Sleeker Design: Beyond functionality, the Gen 2 also sports a sleeker, more modern aesthetic, with new color options and a refined overall look.
Air Up Original vs Gen 2: At a glance
| Feature | Original Bottle | Gen 2 Bottle |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Activation | Manual push-pull of the pod. | Automatic activation via ActiveOn mouthpiece. |
| Straw Design | Standard straw, required tipping. | Larger, sturdier XL straw; no tipping needed. |
| Leak-Proofing | Prone to leaking, a common complaint. | Reliably leak-proof with new lid technology. |
| Mouthpiece | Simpler design; could require more effort. | Redesigned with internal struts for consistent flavor. |
| Material Sustainability | Standard plastic options. | Uses Tritan Renew with 50% recycled content. |
| Aesthetics | Functional, but basic design. | Sleeker, more modern look with new colors. |
| Ease of Use | Some manual steps needed for flavor. | Simplified, automated, and more intuitive. |
Which air up bottle is right for you?
If you are new to the air up system and want the best possible experience, the Gen 2 is the clear winner. Its design refinements significantly improve the bottle's functionality and address the major drawbacks of the original. The leak-proof lid alone is a game-changer for daily use, and the ActiveOn mouthpiece provides a smoother, more enjoyable drinking experience. The increased sustainability of the materials is also a compelling factor for environmentally conscious consumers.
For existing users of the original bottle, the upgrade to Gen 2 depends on your frustrations with the first model. If you've been dealing with leaks or inconsistent flavor activation, the Gen 2's reliability and improved design are a worthwhile investment. However, if your original bottle is still working perfectly for you, the core flavor-by-scent technology is the same, so an immediate upgrade may not be necessary. All generations and versions of the bottles are compatible with the same flavor pods.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to prioritizing convenience and reliability. The Gen 2 is a better-engineered product that delivers on its promises more consistently and with a lower ecological footprint.
Conclusion
The difference between the air up original and Gen 2 bottles is a classic case of iterative product improvement. While the original bottle successfully proved the concept, the Gen 2 refines the user experience by eliminating key pain points such as leaking and manual flavor activation. With its leak-proof design, streamlined ActiveOn mouthpiece, and more sustainable materials, the Gen 2 is the superior choice for both new customers and those looking to upgrade their hydration routine.
Interested in learning more about the patented Scentaste technology behind air up? You can find additional details on the official air up website.
