Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Team Spinfuel

Where should I begin?” This might be the most-common question we get as editors of Spinfuel VAPE. And it’s also one of the hardest to answer. There are so many different ‘needs’ we vapers have… and for every need, there are literally hundreds of available options for vape starter kits that could satisfy every type of vaper. Ugh…

Long story short, there is no “right” answer as to what the ‘right’ place to start might be. BUT, since we have the bandwidth, hands-on experience, varied vaper types right here…  as well as some strong opinions, we’ve decided to put together a Top 10 Vape Starter Kits list for 2019 (so far) to distill the options to the creme of the crop of what’s out there, new, and worthy of its selling price.

By no means is this a comprehensive breakdown of the vape mod options you have, but it DOES give you a pretty good idea of the vape starter kits we feel deliver the most value, to the widest range of vapers out there.

In other words, if it’s on this list, it’s worth a look before making your next purchase. Just remember, before you choose your next vape starter kit, make sure you know what your ‘ideal’ vape is. Are you chasing flavor or clouds, does size matter, and other considerations only you can answer.

Let’s take a look at the vape starter kits we’ve pooled together out of the hundreds that sit on vendor shelves today.

Best Vape Starter Kits 2019 Vaporesso LUXE ZV 200W Limited Edition Starter Kit BEST KIT FOR 2019

Vaporesso LUXE ZV 200W Limited Edition Starter Kit

It seems strange to include a limited-edition mod on this list, but we loved the Vaporesso Luxe so much (LUXE review), we can only hope all of our readers have a chance to enjoy the absolute best version of the device.

 

Built in collaboration with noted personality Zophie Vapes (who’s videos grace our pages quite a bit), the Luxe ZV 200W starter kit is the absolute pinnacle of Vaporesso’s premier vape mod, and well worth hunting down. (ed- Element Vape has them)

 

For those who don’t know this mod, shame on you. Well, okay… that was a little much. But know that there’s a reason we fell for this mod the instant it arrived on our desks. Built on an updated OMNI Board 4.0 chipset and featuring a two-inch display alongside the companion SKRR-S Sub-Ohm tank, the Vaporesso Luxe ZV might be one of the most intelligent, classy mods to date.

 

Like Vaporesso’s other devices, the Luxe ZV has near-instant firing speeds and vibration-enabled touch technology for immediate feedback.

 

Plus, the Vaporesso SKRR-S tank was a really nice throw-in for an already-awesome device. We just reviewed it in Spinfuel VAPE and enjoyed the flavor and vapor output from this marvelous atomizer.

 

Once we figured out some of the quirks, the combination has been a great performer that we always seem to keep nearby.

 

Even if the tank doesn’t wow you (though it should), the mod definitely will. And for that reason alone, we begin our best top 10 vape starter kits with a device most of our team simply adores.

By the way, while all the anti-vape crowd out there is hammering companies on building vape devices that appeal to kids, every edition of the Vaporesso LUXE is elegant, sophisticated and definitely does not appeal to kids. More vape makers should follow suit.

 

Mod Specs:

  • Made in Collaboration w/ Zophie Vapes
  • Project Z – Limited Edition
  • Dual 18650 High Amp Battery – Not Included
  • Wattage Output Range: 5-220W
  • Resistance Range: 0.03-5.0 Ohm
  • Other Modes: Smart VW(H/N/S) / VT (SS, NI, TI) / CCT / CCW / VV / CCV
  • BYPASS Mode
  • TCR Adjustment – 2 Memory Modes
  • Super Player Mode – Broad Tank Resistance ID
  • OMNI Board 4.0 Chipset – 0.001s Insta-Fire
  • 0″ TFT Full Color Display
  • Large Side Fire Button Operation
  • Vibration-Enabled Adjustment Buttons
  • Bottom-Loaded Magnetized Battery Cover
  • Short Circuit Protection
  • Burn Protection
  • No Load Protection
  • Overtime Protection
  • Low Resistance Protection
  • Low Power Protection
  • Overcharge Protection
  • ESD Circuit Protection
  • Pass Through Protection
  • MicroUSB Port – 2.5A Max Charge
  • Centered 510 Stainless Steel Connection

Tank Specs:

  • 26mm Diameter
  • 30mm Diameter At Widest Point
  • 8mL Max Juice Capacity
  • Superior Stainless-Steel Construction
  • Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
  • Quadflow QF Air Distribution System
  • Vaporesso QF Coil System – Flax & Cotton Wicks
  • 18ohm QF Meshed – Rated for 55-85W
  • 18ohm QF Strip – Rated for 60-90W
  • Vaporesso GT Coil Compatible
  • Quad Trapezoid-Shaped Airflow Control
  • Convenient Threaded Top-Fill Design
  • 810 Delrin Wide bore Drip Tip
  • 510 Connection

Vape Starter Kit Contents:

  • 1 LUXE ZV 220W Mod – Limited Edition
  • 1 SKRR-S Sub-Ohm Tank
  • 1 0.18ohm QF Meshed
  • 1 0.18ohm QF Strip
  • 1 Silicone Tank Case
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • 1 Spare O-Rings
  • 1 User Guide
  • 1 Warranty Card

asMODus Amighty 100W Starter Kit

I have to be honest – I don’t know if the name of the asMODus Amighty is a typo or not. But, coming from a company that spells its own name pretty oddly, there’s a very good chance that the Amighty is presented exactly as asMODus wants it to be.

Names aside, there’s nothing confusing about the performance and value of the Amighty kit. This single 21700/20700 (18650 with adapter) setup makes the most from its big-battery format, delivering efficient power performance that still fires unbelievably quickly. (No joke, it’s an instant rush of flavor and vapor.)

Plus, in addition to the standard selection of wattage, temperature control, bypass and TCR modes, the Amighty mod also allows for some pretty intricate wattage curve adjustments to be made, right on the device, giving unprecedented levels of control for a mod at this price point.

Packed in the Amighty kit is the versatile and capable Viento sub-ohm tank. At first, you’ll probably be a little nonplussed by the Viento. But “at first” isn’t where this tank is at its best… because once the 0.15-ohm mesh coil breaks in a little, prepare yourself for near RDA-levels of flavor and vapor production, which last a lot longer than most competing heads in this range.

(And as a nice bonus tip of the cap, the Viento is also full compatible with SMOK Baby Beast coil heads. We know you have a few lying around, and now’s the time to put them back to work for you.)

Smooth ramping power, tons of options and a nice looking gear setup? Sign us up.

Mod Specs:

  • Dimensions – 87.5mm by 52mm by 31mm
  • Single High-Amp 21700/20700 Battery – Not Included
  • Single High-Amp 18650 Battery – Adapter, Optional
  • GX100-UTC Chipset
  • Wattage Output Range – Power Mode: 5-100W
  • Wattage Output Range – TC Mode: 5-60W
  • Maximum Voltage Output: 7.5V
  • Atomizer Resistance Range: 0.1-3.0ohm
  • Temperature Control Range: 212-572°F / 100-300°C
  • Ni200, Titanium, and Stainless Steel Compatibility
  • Power Mode
  • TC Mode
  • TCR Mode
  • Curve Mode
  • Taste Settings – Soft / Normal / Hard
  • Zinc Alloy Chassis Construction
  • Magnetic Battery Door
  • Touch Screen Operation
  • OLED Display Screen
  • Heat Dissipation Vents At Bottom
  • 10s Cut Off Protection
  • Spring Loaded 510 Connection
  • Available in Black, Red, Gunmetal

Tank Specs:

  • 9mm Diameter
  • 5mL Juice Capacity
  • Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
  • Removable Protective Ring
  • Superior Stainless Steel Construction
  • Triple Slotted Bottom Airflow Control Ring
  • 15ohm Viento Mesh Coil
  • Compatible with SMOK Baby Beast Coil Heads
  • Sliding Hinged Top Fill Mechanism
  • 810 Wide bore Snakeskin Delrin Drip Tip
  • 510 Connection
  • Available in Gunmetal Chrome, or Black/Black

Starter Kit Includes:

  • 1 asMODus Amighty 100W TC Box Mod
  • 1 asMODus Viento Sub-Ohm Tank

Geek Vape AEGIS SOLO 100W & TENGU RDA Kit

In the past, it wasn’t likely that we’d recommend an RDA kit for any “starter” setup, but times have changed, and drip atomizers are being more accepted by newcomers as a way to deliver top-tier flavor and vapor production without having to worry about juice flow, finicky replacement heads, leaky airflow, etc. Maybe RDAs aren’t the easiest thing to work with for beginners, but they certainly deliver results when set up correctly.

The Geek Vape Aegis Solo 100W kit, featuring the rock-solid (and simple to build) Tengu RDA is about as user-friendly an RDA kit as there is in the universe, starting with the mod, which features Geek Vape’s trademark ergonomics and comfort. Though it’s “just” a single-18650 device, the Aegis Solo cranks 100 legit watts of power, punchy draws and better-than-average battery performance from a single-cell mod.

A lot of this has to be credited to the AS-100 chipset, which boasts a ridiculously fast firing speed, full temperature control and bypass operations, and about as complete a set of protections as you’ll find on any device that doesn’t have the letters “DNA” in the name.

The companion Tengu RDA might not be the most-impressive RDA there, but this 24mm offering remains a contender through its user-friendliness. The quad-terminal posts are a pleasure to build on, turning any newcomer into a coil expert in no time. And the deep juice wells keep them vaping longer, with less filling needed along the way.

Hell, the Tengu even has a BF pin, so it can put to work as a capable squonk RDA, should the mood strike. All in all, it’s a tremendously versatile and value-oriented kit from a company that rarely, if ever, misses the mark.

Specs:

  • AS-100 Chipset
  • Dimensions – 86.4mm by 41.2mm by 31.5mm
  • Single High-Amp 18650 Battery – Not Included
  • Wattage Output Range: 5-100W
  • Resistance Range: 0.05-3.0ohm
  • Temperature Range: 100°-315°C / 200°-600°F
  • Power Mode
  • VPC Mode
  • TC Mode
  • TCR Mode
  • Bypass Mode
  • Zinc-Aluminum Alloy Chassis Construction
  • 10s Cut-Off Protection
  • Short-Circuit Protection
  • Over-Charging & Discharging Protection
  • Over-Heat Protection
  • Over-Current Protection
  • Anti-Dry Protection
  • 510 Connection
  • MicroUSB Port
  • Available in Black, Gunmetal, Red, Orange, Blue, Green

RDA Specs:

  • 24mm Diameter
  • Deep Juice Wells
  • Superior Stainless Steel Construction
  • Expansive Build Deck – Singular Elongated Post
  • 4 Terminals – Top Secured via Flathead Screws
  • Juice Redirection Feature for Dripping Enthusiast
  • PEEK Insulator
  • Single or Dual Coil Configuration
  • Concealed Adjustable Honeycomb Style Airflow
  • Side to Coil Airflow
  • 810 Wide bore PMMA Drip Tip
  • 810 Wide bore Delrin Drip Tip
  • Squonkable BF 510 Pin
  • Gold-Plated 510 Connection Pin
  • Available in Black, Golden, Blue, Stainless Steel, Rainbow, and Gunmetal

Starter Kit Contents:

  • 1 Aegis Solo Mod
  • 1 Tengu RDA
  • 1 Battery Door Tool
  • 1 USB Cable
  • 1 810 Drip Tip
  • 1 510 Drip Tip Adaptor
  • 1 GV Triangular Tool
  • 1 Hex Wrench
  • 1 Gold-Plated BF Positive Pin
  • 1 User Manual
  • 1 Promotion Card & Warranty Card
  • 1 Spare Parts Pack

Vandy Vape Pulse Dual Squonk Mod Kit

The Pulse Dual is just that – a dual-18650 standard squonk mod with a front-positioned, 7mL squonk bottle, and 220 watts of power. Using a form factor most reminiscent of the Geek Vape GBOX, but also akin to Wismec’s classic “hexagonal” design, the Pulse Dual is comfortable and palm-friendly, but make no mistake, this isn’t a mod you’ll toss in a bag or pocket and forget about – it’s large, kids.

 

Then again, no one’s buying a dual-18650 squonk mod to feel “svelte,” am I right?

 

As a dual-battery squonker, I wasn’t expecting anything beyond normal battery performance, but was pleasantly surprised when I managed 6 or so hours of moderate vaping on a single charge before performance began to wane a bit. It’s good enough to keep heavy vapers at bay during extended sessions.

 

The squonk action on the Pulse Dual was excellent, with the RDA deck filling with gentle touches of the included bottle. Is it easy to oversquonk at first? Absolutely. But like any other BF device, you’ll soon learn to finesse it for easy, effortless, leak-free presses.

 

The kit also comes with the Pulse V2 RDA – easily the highlight of the kit. On paper, this 24mm, dual adjustable airflow dripper looks like another faceless RDA. But once you experience the flavor and vapor production, you won’t confuse the V2 for many other drippers in your collection. And this kit is likely to stand out just as strongly.

Specs:

  • Dimensions – 75.3mm by 52.9mm by 41.7mm
  • 7mL Chubby Squonk Bottle
  • Dual High-Amp 18650 Battery – Not Included
  • Top-Grade IC Vandy Chip
  • Wattage Output Range: 5-220W
  • Voltage Output Range: 0.5-8V
  • Resistance Range – Temperature Control: 0.05-1.5ohm
  • Resistance Range – Variable Wattage: 0.05-3.0ohm
  • Temperature Range: 200°-600°F/100°-315°C
  • Supports Ni200, Titanium, and Stainless Steel
  • Temperature Control Mode
  • POWER Mode
  • BYPASS Mode
  • Voltage Mode
  • Intuitive Display Screen
  • Interchangeable Panels
  • Intuitive Trigger-Style Firing Button
  • Two Adjustment Buttons
  • Bottom-Loaded Hinge Battery Door
  • Overheating Protection
  • Open Circuit Protection
  • Short Circuit Protection
  • Overcurrent Protection
  • Overtime Protection – 10 Seconds Cut-Off
  • Low-Battery Warning
  • Battery Management System
  • Micro-USB Port
  • Spring-Loaded 510 Connection
  • Available in Black, Red, Green, Blue

 

RDA Specs:

  • Collaboration with Tony B
  • 24mm Diameter
  • 2mL Deep Juice Well
  • Superior Stainless Steel Construction
  • Floating Build Deck Design – Optimized for Squonk
  • Four-Post Design
  • Top-Side Secured via Hex Screws
  • Single or Dual Coil Configurations
  • Direct-to-Coils Side Airflow Design
  • Three Different Airflow Control Rings – PEI Material
  • Six-Hole Airslots – Single Coil Option
  • Six-Hole Airslots – Dual Coil Option
  • 810 PC Widebore Dip Tip
  • Bottom-Feed 510 Squonk Pin
  • Stainless Steel 510 Connection

 

Contents:

  • 1 PULSE DUAL 220W Mod
  • 1 Pulse V2 BF RDA
  • 3 Airflow Control Ring
  • 1 Accessory Bag
  • 1 Instructional Manual

VandyVape Jackaroo Kit

To rip off my own line from the review, if Craftsman Tool made a vape mod, I’m pretty sure it would look like the VandyVape Jackaroo. Because the Jackaroo is soft to the touch, comfortable to use, but entirely rugged all around. It’s also waterproof, impact-resistant, and designed to be a lot more durable than the usual array of mod kits permeating the population.

 

The included Jackaroo tank is a pretty nice throw-in, too. This mesh-coiled sub-ohm offering makes for a nice companion piece with the kit, and at only a few dollars more than the mod alone, it’s really a no-brainer. Hell, after publishing the review, we spent a few more weeks with the tank, and only like it more as a result.

 

But boy does this kit last – the Jackaroo mod sips battery, while the included coils offer really nice longevity for a sub-ohm coil. I managed about 5-7 days from each, under testing conditions, before they gave up the ghost. I imagine those numbers will only improve under more moderate use.

 

Bottom line? Expect to hear about the Jackaroo kit again in December, when we revisit the best mods of the year that was. I’d bet my salary on it.

Mod Specs:

  • Dimensions – 90mm by 49.8mm by 33.2mm
  • Single 20700 / 21700 High-Amp Battery – Sold Separately
  • Optional Single 18650 High-Amp Battery – Adapter Sleeve
  • Wattage Output Range: 5-100W
  • Voltage Output Range: 0.5-8.0V
  • Max Output Current: 40A
  • Coil Resistance Range: 0.5-3.0ohm
  • Temperature Control Range: 200-600F
  • Power Mode
  • Voltage Mode
  • DIY Mode
  • Shockproof Material Chassis Construction
  • IP67 Water Resistant
  • Intuitive 0.91 Inch TFT OLED Screen
  • Intuitive Firing Button
  • Two Adjustment Buttons
  • Bottom-Loaded Threaded Battery Cap Design
  • Overtime Protection
  • Atomizer Protection
  • Low Power Warning
  • Short Circuit Protection
  • Over-Heat Protection
  • 510 Connection

 

Tank Specs:

  • 23mm Diameter
  • 3mL Standard Juice Capacity
  • Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
  • Superior Stainless Steel Construction
  • Threaded Top Fill System
  • Vandy Vape JACKAROO Coil System
  • 15ohm Mesh Coil – Rated for 50-90W
  • 3ohm Mesh Coil – Rated for 40-60W
  • Dual Slotted Bottom Airflow Control
  • Sliding Retractable Top-Fill Mechanism
  • Stainless Steel 510 Connection

SMOK MORPH 219W Starter Kit

SMOK might have been a little quiet in the first quarter of 2019, but all that’s about to change, beginning with the all-new touchscreen Morph 219-watt mod, complete with a 25mm sub-ohm atomizer that they’re calling the SMOK TF tank.

With a similar design as the awesome SMOK Devilkin series, the Morph squares off some corners, adds some resin and an all-new touch interface, and implements an even newer IQ-S chipset, to create an all-compassing high-wattage vape mod. But don’t let familiar looks confuse you – just because the design is decidedly “SMOK” there’s some serious potential under the hood.

The IQ-S chipset is focused on assertive, quick-firing performance (a purported .001 seconds) while maintaining dual-18650 battery efficiency and smooth functionality. And with a nearly two-inch, hi-res touchscreen display on hand, users will have quick, effortless access to the Morph’s wide range of features. There’s even a password-protection feature to keep curious hands (and annoying friends) from using your device.

The TF tank also intrigued us, because after the SMOK TFV12 Prince series, the company’s tank designers seem to have taken some time off. Our early experience with the tank series shows the TF to maintain the company’s standards for flavor and coil longevity, while adopting the now-popular “pull plug” format. It might not eclipse the company’s TFV12 series, but it’s too early to tell what the long-term story is here.

Maybe the Morph looks a little like some other popular SMOK devices. But we never needed the company to change what’s already working – we just wanted to see them get even better. And based on these specs, it looks like SMOK is ready to dominate this segment of the vaping market all over again.

Mod Specs:

  • Dimensions – 84.5mm by 44.8mm by 30.2mm
  • Weight – 158g
  • Dual High-Amp 18650 Battery – Not Included
  • New IQ-S Intelligent Chipset
  • Wattage Output Range: 1-219W
  • Voltage Output Range: 0.5-8.2V
  • Min Atomizer Resistance: 0.06ohm
  • Temperature Range: 200-600F
  • Supports Ni200 Nickel, Titanium, and Stainless Steel Heating Elements
  • Preheat Functionality – Soft, Normal, Hard, Max
  • Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) Adjustments
  • Seconds Quick Firing Speed
  • Superior Zinc Alloy Construction
  • Beautiful Resin Panel Design
  • Full-Color 1.9″ HD Touch Screen – New Interface
  • Password Protection
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Stealth Firing Bar Mechanism
  • Bottom-Loaded Hinged Battery Door
  • Intelligent Atomizer Recognition
  • Puff Monitoring System
  • 10 Seconds Cut-Off
  • Short Circuit Protection
  • Over Heating Protection
  • Over Discharge Protection
  • MicroUSB Port – 1.8A Charging Current
  • 510 Connection
  • Available in Black Red, Blue, Gold, Silver Chrome, Rainbow

TF Tank Specs:

  • 25mm Base Diameter
  • 30mm At Widest Point
  • Weight – 75g
  • 6mL Maximum Juice Capacity – Convex Glass Extension
  • Superior Stainless Steel Construction
  • High-Grade Glass Reinforcement
  • High-Temperature Resistant – Explosion Proof
  • Convenient Top-Fill Rotary Design – Lock Button Mechanism
  • Massive Dual Adjustable Airflow Control at Base
  • 810 Cobra Resin Ultra-Wide Drip Tip
  • Plug-Pull Coil System
  • Antibacterial Medical Cotton
  • 510 Connection

Contents:

  • 1 MORPH 219 Box Mod
  • 1 TF Sub-Ohm Tank
  • 2 0.25ohm TF BF-Mesh Coils
  • 1 Bulb Glass Protective Silicone
  • 1 Replacement Glass Tube
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • 1 Instructional Manual

Innokin Kroma-A 75W & iSub B PLEX 3D Starter Kit

We’ve featured the Innokin Kroma-A 75-watt mod several times on the pages of Spinfuel VAPE, and with good reason – this compact, comfortable, integrated battery mod is a perfect first step for vapers graduating from pod systems to more-advanced vape devices. But the lion’s share of the conversation has the Kroma-A paired with the MTL-focused Zenith tank, largely because of the company’s affiliation with noted personalities Phil Busardo and Dimitris Agrafiotis.

That said, while this connection with these champions of MTL vaping has positioned the Kroma-A as an “MTL mod” we always knew this 75-watt device was capable of foggier pursuits, and this pairing proves it. Because the iSub-B tank with PLEX 3D coils is just as good a combo.

The beauty of this entire line of products is how deftly Innokin makes its tanks and mods cross-compatible, so no single tank is ever “just” a sub-ohm or MTL atomizer. Sure, the lion’s share of recent coverage has focused on the endorsements from two well-respected personalities, but I love how well the Kroma-A churns out equally flavorful sub-ohm performance, with the 0.35-ohm PLEX 3D heads in the kit.

The mod itself is wonderfully comfortable and ergonomic, while the intelligent chipset does a good job detecting coils and setting the right parameters for an optimal vape. Though it’s small, the 75 watt capability is more than enough to kick out some righteous clouds under the right conditions, with some potent flavor and throat hit to go along with it.

It’s VERY rare for us to get behind a celebrity endorsed product, but Innokin’s latest line of mods, coils and rebuildables have been tremendous, and the Kroma-A with iSub-B kit is no exception.

Mod Specs:

  • Integrated Aethon Intelligent Chipset
  • 2000mAh Internal Battery
  • Wattage Output Range: 6-75W
  • Voltage Output Range: 0.8-9V
  • Minimum Atomizer Resistance: 0.1ohm
  • Temperature Control Range: 200-600F
  • Supports Ni200, Titanium, and Stainless Steel 316L Heating Elements
  • Precision Temperature Control
  • Balanced Coil Heat-Up
  • Direct Current – Steady Power Output
  • Dry Hit Detection
  • Low Standby Power Consumption
  • PreBoost Ramp-Up Technology
  • Stealthy Design Soft Contour With Grip Control
  • Intuitive OLED Display Screen
  • Oversized Firing Button
  • Two-Button Adjustments
  • Over-Discharge Protection
  • Low Voltage Warning
  • Short Circuit Protection
  • Atomizer Protection
  • Overheat Protection
  • MicroUSB Port – 2A Rapid Charging Capability
  • Available in Gunmetal, Stainless Steel, and Rose Gold

Tank Specs:

  • 24mm Diameter
  • Rainbow tinted Pyrex Glass
  • 3mL Standard Juice Capacity
  • 4mL Extended Juice Capacity
  • Superior Stainless Steel Construction
  • Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
  • Threaded Top Fill System
  • Automatic Flood Protection
  • Innokin iSub Plex 3D Coil Family
  • 35ohm Mesh Coil – rated for 30-55W
  • Coil Material: Wood Pulp + Organic Cotton Fiber
  • Micro-Grooves
  • Compatible with all Innokin iSub Coils
  • Quad Bored Restrictive Bottom Airflow Control Ring
  • 810 Wide bore Resin Drip Tip
  • 510 Connection
  • Available in Black, Gunmetal, Stainless, Blue

Contents:

  • 1 iTaste Kroma-A Mod
  • 1 iSub B Tank
  • 2 0.35ohm PLEX3D Coil – rated for 30-55W
  • 1 MicroUSB Charging Cable
  • 1 Vape Band
  • 1 Spare Glass
  • 1 Spare O-Ring Set
  • 1 Quick Start Guide
  • 1 Warranty Card
  • 1 Warning Booklet
  • 1 Battery Warning Card

Eleaf iStick Mix 160W Starter Kit

It’s been a LONG time since we paired the words “iStick” and “must-have” in the same sentence. Not because Eleaf doesn’t make great vaping products, but rather because the company has always seemed to cater more to beginners than higher-wattage vapers. But things seem to be shifting in a different direction, as evidenced by the iStick Mix 160-watt kit. It might not be the most industry-defining product they’ve released, but it’s definitely the company’s boldest attempt in some time.

Also, the iStick Mix just effing works, with zero nonsense along the way.

Featuring a resin-adorned exterior and a new version of the Avatar chipset, the dual-18650 iStick Mix is the first of the series to feature ultra-fast firing, efficient battery use, rapid onboard charging and the like. In other words, it’s a true step up for those used to seeing a slew of Pico’s on shelves. And we won’t lie, it also looks damn attractive, to boot.

The kit is packaged with the new ELLO Pop sub-ohm tank, which continues using the HW coil series, but introduces a more robust set of heads capable of higher-wattage vaping. We haven’t LOVED the Ello series in the past, but the Pop represents the same mindset as the rest of the kit – a graduation to more advanced levels of vaping and satisfaction.

We also need to mention how the locking tank head ensures little hands and fuzzy noses will have a harder time getting into the device if accidentally left out. (But don’t do that, seriously.)

All in all, we’re really impressed by the iStick Mix kit, and think you will be too if you give it a test run. Eleaf has always made rock-solid devices, but this is a different beast, and an exciting peek into what might be coming down the line for Eleaf.

Mod Specs:

  • Avatar Chipset
  • Dimensions – 78mm by 52mm by 27mm
  • 5mL Juice Capacity
  • Dual High-Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
  • Max Wattage Output: 160W
  • Resistance Range: 0.05-3.0ohms
  • Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
  • Oversized Intuitive Firing Button
  • Two Adjustment Buttons
  • OLED Display Screen
  • Magnetic Battery Door
  • Over-Charge Protection
  • Over-Discharge Protection
  • Over-Current Protection
  • Over 10s Protection
  • Short-Circuit Protection
  • Reverse Polarity Protection
  • Type-C USB Connection
  • Centered 510 Connection
  • Available in Seabed Snaker, Hell Witch, Glary Knight, Wind Ninja, Skyline Numen

Tank Specs:

  • 28mm Diameter
  • 5mL Juice Capacity
  • Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
  • Silicone Tank Protection Rings
  • Superior Stainless Steel Construction
  • Child Locking Top Fill System – Pull and Slide
  • Eleaf ELLO POP Coil Family
  • 2ohm HW-N2 KA Coil – rated for 40-90W
  • 2ohm HW-M2 KA Coil – rated for 40-90W
  • Leak Proof, Self-Cleaning Technology (LPSC)
  • Threaded Coil Connection
  • Dual Slotted Bottom Adjustable Airflow Control Ring
  • Detachable Structure
  • 810 Wide bore Resin Drip Tip
  • 510 Connection
  • Available in Silver or Black

Contents:

  • 1 Eleaf iStick Mix
  • 1 Eleaf ELLO POP Tank
  • 1 0.2ohm HW-M2
  • 1 0.2ohm HW-N2
  • 1 3.0 MicroUSB Cable
  • 1 Spare Parts Bag
  • 2 User Manuals

Teslacigs POKER 218W Starter Kit

Just as I promised in my initial review of the Teslacigs Poker kit, one of my new favorite mods has a design that’s 50% playing card/50% tactical military camouflage. And that’s pretty funny for a conservative guy like me. But this kit won me over with its rock-steady performance and unique ergonomics. Even with all the quirks, it just hits so many of the right buttons for my vaping preferences.

We don’t need to rehash the quirks – they’ve largely worked themselves out with some updating. But the biggest win for me was spending a little more time with the included RESIN sub-ohm tank, which didn’t wow me at first, but changed my mind after a few days of learning how to make the most of its coils.

The trick was to aim a little lower than the coil recommended. Normally, that would be a red flag for me, but once I nailed down the right wattage, the tank began to sing beautiful, flavorful songs. I credit some additional coil “break in” time, as well as a less-taxing wattage, but the end results were undeniable – this is a really good sub-ohm tank.

Like I also said in my review, the Teslacigs Poker kit might have been my favorite, most-recommended B+ device ever. No matter how many quirks I dealt with, it hasn’t stopped me from using and enjoying the entire kit. I just can’t help but love the old-meets-new design, classic box mod format, and powerful vape quality.

Mod Specs:

  • Dimensions – 88mm by 54.5mm by 26mm
  • Dual High-Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
  • Wattage Output Range: 7-218W
  • Maximum Voltage Output: 7.5V
  • Resistance Range – KA Mode: 0.1-3.0ohms
  • Resistance Range – TCR Mode: 0.05-3.0ohm
  • Temperature Range: 100°-300°C / 200°-600°F
  • Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
  • Memory Mode – 3 Logged Modes
  • Taste Mode – Normal, Soft, Hard, User
  • Nickel, Titanium, and Stainless Steel Wire Compatibility
  • KA Mode
  • TC Mode
  • VW Mode
  • TCR Mode
  • Superior 304 Stainless Steel Construction
  • Intuitive Firing Button
  • Two Adjustment Buttons
  • On/Off Switch
  • Magnetic Battery Door
  • MicroUSB Port
  • Centered 510 Connection
  • Available in Wood Camo, Black Camo, Blue Camo, and White Camo

Tank Specs:

  • 5mm Diameter
  • 0mL Standard Juice Capacity
  • 0mL Bubble Juice Capacity
  • Quartz Glass Reinforcement
  • Superior 304 Stainless Steel and Construction
  • Threaded Top Fill System – Dual Fill Ports
  • Teslacigs TS Coil Family
  • 18ohm TS-XX Coil – rated for 60-110W
  • 15ohm TS-120X Coil – rated for 70-120W
  • Plug-N-Pull Coil Installation Method
  • Dual Slotted Bottom Airflow Control Ring
  • 510 Connection
  • Available in Black, Grey, Green, Purple, Orange, Red, Yellow, and Blue

Contents:

  • 1 Teslacigs POKER 218W TC Box Mod
  • 1 Teslacigs RESIN Sub-Ohm Tank
  • 1 0.18 TS-XX Coil – rated for 60-110W
  • 1 0.15 TS-120X Coil – rated for 70-120W
  • 1 Spare Glass
  • 4 Spare O-Rings
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • 2 User Manuals

Wismec SINUOUS V80 & Amor NSE Starter Kit

If we were rating vape mods for their looks, the new Wismec Sinuous V80 would go right to the head of my line (ed- and the end of mine). I absolutely fell in love with the translucent exterior and compact hand feel right from the get-go.

But this is about more than looks — the Wismec SINUOUS V80 is powered by a single 18650 rechargeable battery that powers the advanced AVATAR Chipset, which gives the mod an extensive temperature control suite, a bunch of firing modes and much more.

Paired with the included Wismec Amor NSE Sub-Ohm Tank, this is a pretty solid kit, especially if you waffle between sub-ohm and mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. The diminutive design and narrow drip tip section isn’t designed to fog up any rooms, but for light sub-ohm vaping, the included 0.27-ohm WS-M coil does an admirable job of balancing flavor and vapor production.

The Amor NSE’s real calling card (and the kits for that matter) comes with the 1.3-ohm companion coil in the box. Using much less power, the Amor delivered sharp, punchy jolts of flavor and a delightful throat hit that brought me back to simpler times in vaping. At barely 25 watts, I was pleasantly surprised how well the coils hit… and even more surprised by how long they lasted.

As a solid road-tripper or a beginner step-up from pod mods, the Wismec Sinuous V80 kit makes a lot of sense. It has decent sub-ohm performance, steady battery life, and an overall ease of use that lends itself to this type of use. For vapers looking for some versatility, this is a great starting point.

Mod Specs:

  • Dimensions – 88.8mm by 53.2mm by 25mm
  • Avatar Chipset
  • Single High-Amp 18650 Rechargeable Battery – Not Included
  • Wattage Output Range: 1-80W
  • Voltage Output Range: 0.5-9V
  • Resistance Range – VW Mode: 0.05-3.5ohm
  • Resistance Range – TC Mode: 0.05-1.5ohm
  • Temperature Range: 100-315°C / 200-600°F
  • Nickel, Titanium, and Stainless Steel Wire Compatibility
  • Bypass Mode
  • VW Mode
  • TCR Mode
  • Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
  • Hinged Bottom Battery Door
  • Intuitive Firing Button
  • Two Adjustment Buttons
  • 91″ OLED Screen
  • Over-Discharge Protection
  • Over-Charge Protection
  • Over 10s Protection
  • Short-Circuit Protection
  • Over-Current Protection
  • MicroUSB Port
  • Centered Spring-Loaded 510 Connection
  • Available in Green, Red, Black, and Yellow

Tank Specs:

  • 26mm Diameter
  • 2mL Juice Capacity
  • 3mL Upgraded Juice Capacity
  • Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
  • PETG Tank Construction
  • Sliding Top Fill System
  • Wismec WS-M Coil System
  • 27 WS-M Mesh Coil – rated 30-60W
  • 3ohm WS04 MTL Coil – rated for 8-14W
  • Knurled Dual Slotted Bottom Airflow Control Ring
  • 510 Connection

Vape Starter Kit Contents:

  • 1 Wismec SINUOUS V80 Box Mod
  • 1 Wismec Amor NSE Sub-Ohm Tank
  • 1 0.27ohm WS-M Mesh Coil – rated for 30-60W
  • 1 1.3ohm WS04 MTL Coil – rated for 8-14W
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • 2 User Manuals
  • 2 Warning Card
  • 1 Pack of Spare Parts