The Best Vape Mods of 2019 (so far…)

SMOK’s lack of activity to start the new year was well documented, but the seasonal thaw has seen the company spring to life with a slew of new, high-performing devices, led by the all-new Morph 219W mod. This touch-enabled mod brings together the best ideas from SMOK’s last few years to create a phenomenal experience, top to bottom.

Most visually akin to SMOK’s own Devilkin line, but now featuring a slick touchscreen interface that makes navigation a breeze, the resin-adorned Morph has some serious chops where it counts.

It’s not all familiar, mind you. The Morph squares off some corners, adds some resin and a larger screen on the surface, and implements an even newer IQ-S chipset udner the hood, to create an all-compassing high-wattage vape mod.

The IQ-S chipset is focused on assertive, quick-firing performance (a rumored .001 seconds) while maintaining dual-18650 battery efficiency and smooth functionality. And with the touchscreen, users will have quick, effortless access to the Morph’s wide range of features. There’s even a password-protection feature to keep things safe.

Last year, we wanted a “little more” from SMOK after seeing too many similar vape mods come from their factories. Well, it looks like they’re listening because the Morph was definitely worth the wait through the first 1/3 of 2019, and we’re excited to see what they might have up their sleeves for the rest of the year. But until then, we’ll be enjoying the SMOK Morph for what it brings to the table.

SMOK Morph 219W TC Touch Screen Vape Mod Features:

• 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
• 001 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

Includes:

• 1 MORPH 219 Box Mod
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 Instructional Manual

My mother always warned me about judging books by their covers, but that’s exactly what I did with the ThinkVape Thor PRO mod. And, like she warned all those years ago, I was wrong for doing so. Because the Thor PRO is a FANTASTIC lightweight vape mod.

What’s even better? It might be the best-performing temperature control mod I’ve ever used – at the very least, it’s the most accessible. The wattage and bypass modes are also great, but I’ve rarely experienced such a reliable, steady, high-performing temperature control suite on a mod this competitively priced.

Now, to temper expectations, we’re not talking about DNA or YiHi levels of precision and control. But for basic TC functionality, the Thor PRO outperforms most every mid-level vape mod I’ve seen. No stutters, jumpiness, erratic ohm readings, coil type detection problems or any other typical TC problem was evident here.

Finally, there’s the matter of price – it’s WAY below what we’d expect for this level of precision and quality. At this price, it’s hard to fathom how much value Think Vapeis delivering with this chipset, but we’re happy they found a way to bring a higher-end experience to this category of mods. The Thor PRO gets our highest recommendation.

Think Vape Thor PRO 220W TC Box Mod Features:

• Dimensions – 88.5mm by 46mm by 32mm
• Weight – 68g
• Dual High-Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
• Wattage Output Range: 5-220W
• Resistance Range: 0.05-3.5ohms
• Temperature Range: 100°-315°C / 200°-600°F
• VW Mode
• TC Mode
• TCR Mode
• Bypass Mode
• Nickel, Titanium, and Stainless Steel Wire Compatibility
• Light-Weight PC Plastic Construction
• 3″ TFT Color Display Screen
• Hinged Bottom Battery Door
• Oversized Firing Button
• Two Adjustment Buttons
• High Temperature Protection
• Short-Circuit Protection
• MicroUSB Port
• Centered 510 Connection
• Available in Demon, Ink, Canvas, Grid, Metal-Castle, History, and Alphabet

Includes:

• 1 Think Vape Thor PRO Box Mod
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 User Manual
• 1 Gift Box Packaging

Leave it to Dovpo to one-up themselves. Right on the heels of its wildly popular original Topside squonk mod comes the more-powerful, more-capable Topside Dual squonk bod mod. And like its predecessor, once you see the Topside, you’ll know that this isn’t just another bottom-feed pretender. No, there aren’t any hollow-feeling side panels, or awkwardly placed bottle openings. And there’s definitely not a lack of battery life and power. Nope, the Topside Dual is a dual-18650, fully regulated, heavily spec’d squonk mod that not only feels solid, but looks damn good, too.

Once again designed in as a collaborative effort between Dovpo and the nice folks at The Vapor Chronicles, the Topside Dual definitely continues the design quality inspired by things REAL VAPERS want, and not just another “same-y” device to attract similar audiences.

Thanks to maintaining the design of the original, the Topside Dual is the most leak-free, mess-free squonk mod I’ve used to date. The internal chamber prevents the usual squonk box messes, and thanks to further refinements, the Topside Dual reduces these instances to practically none.

Dovpo has had a great few years, and the Topside Dual is another feather for their caps. The mod, bottle and connection design sync up beautifully to make for a truly effortless squonk experience. And with two 10mL bottles at your disposal, you could likely vape for hours without having to refill.

Specs:

• Dimensions – 88.5mm by 54mm by 42mm
• Collaboration with The Vapor Chronicles – TVCreation
• Dual High-Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
• 10mL Silicone Squonk Bottle
• Wattage Output Range: 5-200W
• Voltage Output Range: 1.0-12V
• Resistance Range: 0.08-3ohm
• Temperature Control Functionality (Firmware Upgrades Require)
• Supports Ni200, Titanium, Stainless Steel Compatibility
• BYPASS Mode
• Stainless Steel, Zinc, & Aluminum Alloy Construction
• Intuitive 0.96″ OLED Display Screen
• Circle Firing Button
• Two Adjustment Buttons
• Unique Top-Fill Method – Convenient Squonk Bottle Refill
• Bottom-Loaded Hinged Battery Cover
• MicroUSB Port – 5V/2A
• Leak-Resistant 510 Base
• Spring-Loaded 510 Connection
• Available in Red, Black, Silver, Gunmetal, Blue, Purple, Green, Gold

Contents:

• 1 TOPSIDE DUAL Squonk Mod
• 2 10mL Squonk Bottle
• 1 Accessory Bag
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 Battery Usage Warning Card
• 1 Instructional Manual

I feel like we mention the Magma a little too much on these pages, but what can we say? Famovape made a wonderfully simple and powerful vape mod that can’t seem to do anything wrong in our collective eyes.

And that’s no small statement – we’ve seen it all in our vaping experiences. Touchscreens, voice control, oversized displays, photo storage, WiFi capability, and even one that mixes vaping with soft drinks. But you know what mods we keep coming back to? The ones that just work.

Not only does the Magma’s size make it a great device to have in your pocket, but it also offers tremendous longevity between charges, with rapid-fire onboard charging for when power get a little lean.

Plus, with the nice, stiff input buttons, you don’t need to worry about unintentional 200-watt hits or random setting changes. That said, the standard temperature control and TCR modes are here, easily accessible and pinpoint-accurate, with no random fluctuations along the way.

The Magma represents straightforward, no-nonsense vaping at its finest. And though it might not do EVERYTHING “the best,” as a collective package, there’s no denying just how good this mod is.

Famovape Magma 200W Vape Mod Features:

• Dimensions – 87mm by 48.5mm by 25mm
• Dual 18650 High-Amp Rechargeable Batteries – Not Included
• Wattage Output Range: 5-200W
• Voltage Output Range: 1-7.5V
• Resistance Range: 0.08-3.0ohms
• Temperature Range: 100°-300°C / 200°-570°F
• Nickel, Titanium, and Stainless Steel Compatibility
• Power Mode
• TCR Mode
• Bypass Mode
• Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
• Intuitive Firing Button
• Two Adjustment Buttons
• 96″ TFT Color Display Screen
• Magnetic Resin Battery Door
• Heat Dissapation Bottom Vents
• Battery Reverse Protection
• Over-Temperature Protection
• Short-Circuit Protection
• Low-Voltage Protection
• Overtime Protection
• Overheat Protection
• Gold-Plated Spring-Loaded 510 Connection

Includes:

• 1 MAGMA Box 200W Box Mod
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 Warranty Card
• 1 User Manual

The spiritual sibling of the Famovape Magma is the slightly larger, slightly more “rock and roll” but altogether awesome iJoy Shogun UNIV mod. This sleek, curvy but still angular box mod brought us back to simpler times in vaping, when higher-powered box mods started becoming more unique. Maybe the simple box format and resin side panels doesn’t qualify it as “unique” in 2019, but the non-adherence to trends is refreshing these days.

With a centered 510 connection, well-implemented three-button design, 0.96-inch monochrome OLED display and removable side panel/battery slot, you’d be forgiven for thinking this came out in 2015. But, like we mentioned in our review that the Shogun is just like its namesake – commanding, but with a quiet authority. And it still holds true months later. It’s great to look at, but there are no distractions or silly additions to get in the way of an unadulterated vape experience.

If you value simplicity and performance over flash, the iJoy Shogun UNIV 180W mod is a no-brainer decision. It’s subtle, but beautiful. Powerful but well-restrained. Fast, but always under user control. It’s a throwback design with forward-thinking sensibilities. And it’s another valid purchase for anyone seeking their next go-to device.

iJoy SHOGUN UNIV 180W Box Mod Features:

• Dimensions – 88mm by 55mm by 28.4mm
• Univ Chipset
• Dual High-Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
• Wattage Output Range: 1-180W
• Voltage Output Range: 0-7.5V
• Resistance Range: 0.05-3.0ohm
• Temperature Range: 300°-600°F / 149°-316°C
• Power Mode
• POD Mode
• PMODE
• Temp Mode
• Superior Zinc Alloy and Resin Chassis Construction
• Intuitive Firing Button
• Two Adjustment Buttons
• 96″ OLED Display Screen
• Short Circuit Protection
• Low Power Alert
• Battery Reverse Protection
• PCB Temperature Overheat Protection
• Low/High Resistance Protection
• Switch Timeout Protection
• MicroUSB Charging Port
• Centered Stainless Steel 510 Connection
• Available in Hellfire, Aurora Blue, Ghostfire, Splendor, Galactic Hurricane, Specter Green

Includes:

• 1 SHOGUN UNIV 180W Mod
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 User Manual
• 1 Warranty Card

Remember when we mentioned the arguing and disagreement? The Voopoo X217 was the device that caused most of it. Not because anyone thought it was bad – we all loved it. But some questioned whether or not it was awesome ENOUGH to warrant it a “must buy” for 2019. Of course, the guy writing the piece got the last say, so here it is. (although I do have to mention that a couple of staff members did not like the front facing firing button.)

The Voopoo X217 is – as the name indicates – a 217-watt compact box mod, designed in collaboration with Woody Vapes that features the fast-firing GENE.FAN Chip and some of the fastest, most powerful firing of any mod in this category.

The overall look and feel is in line with a lot of other devices – think more subdued Snow Wolf mods and you’ll be in the right ballpark – but the attention to build quality and detail far outweigh the competition. From the firm, clicky buttons, to the bomb-proof connections and chassis, and even the carbon fiber inlays, every inch of the X217 just drips with quality.

Under the hood, the much-vaunted GENE chip brings high-end, DNA-level performance to the table and offers a dual-2×700 battery mod that justifies the larger cells. For starters, the chipset is loaded with modes and features, the atomizer detection is second to none, and if battery life is important to you, the X217 needs to be on your shortlist.

Your feelings about the overall look and feel of the X217 will inform your own buying experience, but we couldn’t deny that everything the mod does is better than similar devices that preceded it.

VOOPOO X217 TC Vape Mod Features:

• Made in Collaboration w/ Woody Vapes
• Dimensions – 93.6mm by 49.6mm by 33mm
• Dual High-Amp 18650/20700/21700 Battery – Not Included
• Highly Advanced GENE.FAN FIT Chip
• Wattage Output Range: 5-217W
• Voltage Output Range: 0-7.5V
• Resistance Range – Power Mode: 0.05-3.0ohms
• Resistance Range – TC Mode: 0.05-1.0ohms
• Temperature Range: 200°-600°F/100°-315°C
• Supports Ni200, Titanium, Stainless Steel Compatibility
• TCR Adjustments Mode
•   POWER Mode
• VOLTAGE Mode
• CUSTOM Mode
• Superior Zinc Alloy Chassis Construction
• Stunning Carbon Fiber Inlay Design
• Intuitive 1.3″ TFT IPS HD Color Screen
• LED Light-Up Functionality – Multiple Colors
• Large Firing Button
• Mode-Setting Button
• Two Adjustment Buttons
• Bottom-Loaded Magnetized Battery Door
• Output Over-Current Protection
• Overcharge Protection
• Over Discharge Protection
• Short-Circuit Protection
• Over Temperature Protection
• Brand Reverse Protection
• Switch Timeout Protection – 10 Seconds
• MicroUSB Port
• 510 Connection

Includes:

• 1 X217 Box Mod
• 1 MicroUSB
• 1 Warranty Card
• 1 Instructional Manual

What else can we say about the Vaporesso Luxe that hasn’t been said already? Unlike what you just read, our feelings about the Luxe are nearly unanimous – it’s fantastic.

One highlight that gets lost amid the hyperbole is that the Vaporesso Luxe has a near-perfect touchscreen GUI and ridiculously fast firing and operation speed thanks to the updated OMNI chipset. From basic vaping to advanced adjustments, right down to the 2.5A ultrafast charge technology there’s nothing here that isn’t stellar.

Also, we need to reiterate how distinguished and comfortable the Luxe is to use and operate. Compact enough to feel good in the hand, but hefty enough to reinforce its stability, the Luxe feels like Vaporesso’s team chose to focus its energy on all aspects of design and usability, rather than slapping new features on an existing device just to create a SKU. With so many devices on shelves, new “innovations” don’t really sell vape mods anymore – quality does.

All of these factors (not to mention the countless OTHER praises we’ve sung since its launch) allows the Luxe to be one of the most intelligent, classy mods to date, and it needs to be in your collection soon, if not sooner.

Vaporesso LUXE 220W Box Mod Features:

• 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
• Available in Silver, Black, Red, Blue Iris, Green Ape, Bronze Rainbow

Includes:

• 1 LUXE 220W Mod
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 User Guide
• 1 Warranty Card

Squonk mods seemed to have plateaued a bit after dominating shelves for most of last year. But we’d be remiss to not include one… especially one as well-made as the Uwell Blocks Squonk Mod.

One of our biggest knocks against most squonkers is the flimsy construction quality and lack of innovation. The Blocks takes care of both these problems in one shot. Not only is the zinc-alloy construction extremely solid and durable (try saying that about most of those flimsy boxes) but the built-in juice pump system is far and away the best of its kind. Sure, other mods have tried a more-complex and sophisticated squonk mod design, but Uwell did its homework and made it work better.

How much better? They measured! Roughly 0.13mL of juice covers the coils with each squonk, giving you a much better idea of how much liquid is in the chamber without having to constantly remove the top cap to check. Let’s face it, that’s a VERY annoying element of bottom-feed vaping, made much better with the Blocks setup.

Plus, even as a single-18650 mod, the Blocks is unusually conservative on battery, and surprisingly effective in delivering powerful draws each and every time. Maybe it’s not “triple-digit” power, but squonk vaping is all about flavor, and we were able to get some serious flavor performance here, no matter which RDA was attached.

Uwell BLOCKS Squonk 90W Box Mod Features:

• Dimensions – 93mm by 49mm by 25mm
• Proprietary Chipset
• Single High Amp 18650 Battery – Not Included
• Maximum Wattage Output: 90W
• Firing Speed: 0.008s
• Zinc Alloy Chassis Construction
• 15mL Shatter-Resistant Internal Squonking Capacity
• Patented Juice Pump – 0.13mL Each Pump
• Intuitive Firing Button
• BF 510 Squonking Pin
• Stainless Steel 510 Connection
• Available in Black, Grey, and Sapphire Blue

Includes:

• 1 Uwell BLOCKS Squonk Box Mod
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 User Manual

The VO Tech VIA240 was another polarizing device during our discussions. We all agreed it was really good and powerful, especially for a dual-18650 vape mod. And we all agreed that it was unique and attractive, especially with the customized, interchangeable side plate options. What we initially debated was the construction, which is entirely composed of plastic.

It’s obvious that VO Tech wanted to keep the weight down without sacrificing durability, but some more skeptical reviewers weren’t sure what to think. That is, until they spent more time with the VIA240 and realized that despite the plastic exterior, everything about the mod’s build is top-quality. From the rubberized coating, ultra-strong connection points, gold-plated 510 pin and top-tier electronics under the hood, this is no throwaway vape mod – VO Tech wasn’t messing around with the VIA240.

The VO chipset remains impressive as well, eking 240 legitimate watts of power from a pair of 18650 cells, while keeping battery efficiency at the forefront of the experience. In wattage, bypass or temp control modes, the power use never fluctuates, and all modes offer strong, fast-ramping draws without stutters or misfires.

And to come full circle, the VIA240 just looks awesome, no matter which of the theme options you choose for the side plates. The oddball corner angles and slightly wide shape seem strange until you hold the device, when it’s apparent just how comfortable and ergonomic the mod really is.

Maybe the VIA240 isn’t the most original mod on the market, but it defied our expectations numerous times during our testing, and managed to stay in all our rotations long after the testing was done – a telltale sign of a great mod if there ever was one.

VO Tech VIA240 Box Mod Features:

• Dimensions – 100mm by 63mm by 32mm
• Dual High-Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
• VO Chipset
• Wattage Output Range: 5-240W
• Voltage Output Range: 1-8.4V
• Resistance Range: 0.1-2.0ohm
• Temperature Range: 93°-315°C / 200°-600°F
• Ni200, Titanium, and Stainless Steel Compatibility
• Power Mode
• Temp Mode
• BYPASS Mode
• Rugged Polymer Chassis Construction
• 91″ OLED Display
• Intuitive Firing Button
• Two Adjustment Buttons
• Replaceable Covers
• Spring Loaded 510 Connection

Includes:

• 1 VO Tech VIA240 Box Mod
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 Warning Card
• 1 Warranty Card

We close out our list with one of the biggest surprises of 2019 – the Vandy Vape Jackaroo 100W mod. Why surprising? Because most of us haven’t had much luck with single 2X700 mods in the past, much less those that claim to be water- and dust-resistant. But we all agreed that VandyVape struck gold here, in more ways than one.

For starters, battery life is fantastic. A single, fully charged 21700 cell gave me nearly six hours of steady vaping at or near its 100-watt limit. That’s unprecedented for a single-cell mod of any caliber, much less a device designed for sub-ohm vaping. More importantly, that battery efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of awesome, fast-ramping power, which stays true until the cell desperately needs a charge.

The user interface is excellent as well, making the most of the 1-inch real estate with a bright, legible color display that complements the exterior look and feel to a tee. And speaking of which, the rugged, rubber-coated exterior is a highlight, with a tremendous hand feel and ease of use that isn’t common on larger mods.

(There are also wood-grain panel options to choose from, too. Decisions, decisions…)

Most importantly, the Jackaroo is just a blast to vape, whether with the included sub-ohm tank, or any atomizer in your collection (up to 26mm without overhang). Temp control is steady and reliable, voltage mode doesn’t pulse or trip up, wattage is smooth all the way to its upper limit, and the DIY settings allow novice vapers to craft an experience without any concern.

I rarely use only one vape device during test periods. I haven’t STOPPED using the Jackaroo since it arrived on my desk. And that’s not likely to change anytime soon. And if the Jackaroo Starter Kit interests you, it’s included sub-ohm tank is pretty fantastic, so splurge on the kit if you want to, it will not disappoint.

Vandy Vape JACKAROO 100W TC Box Mod Features:

• 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

Includes:

• 1 JACKAROO 100W Mod
• 1 18650 Battery Adapter
• 1 Instructional Manual