The Innokin iSub APEX is the latest in the very popular Innokin iSub Series of Sub-Ohm Tanks, offering a very elegant look, and a few enhancements. The most important enhancement to the iSub APEX is a new top-fill method that makes refilling e-liquid a dream come true. Another is the adjustable airflow in the top and the bottom of the tank, and a much cleaner presentation. Does it live up to the expectations of a new iSub Tank?
APEX Features and Specifics
Available in Stainless Steel (review sample), Black, and Gold
510 Threaded
Tank is made of Stainless Steel and Pyrex Glass
Dual Adjustable Airflow (top and bottom)
iSub Coil Compatible
No-Spill Coil Swap System
Top-Fill Design
Large 3mL Capacity
Optional 0.2, 0.5, 2.0-ohm iSub Coils (includes 0.5 and 0.2ohm in the kit)
Innokin’s iSub series of tanks have sold millions of units around the world and are still among the most popular tanks in existence. It began with the standard iSub Tank, then the iSub G, then the iSub S, and now, the iSub APEX. The ‘G’ and ‘S’ tanks were small improvements over the original iSub. While all tanks in the series can use the same coils, that’s where the similarities end. The iSub APEX has little in common with its predecessors other than the coils.
The iSub APEX (review sample provided by Innokin) has an entirely new look, but also some major new features that make it stand out against other iSub tanks, and some competing sub-ohm tanks. To begin with, the look is much more elegant, but it is also much more substantial. Its 22mm diameter feels more natural than the 20mm diameter of the iSub S and original iSub. The Pyrex glass has a metal casing over it, which provides excellent protection. The mouthpiece is a standard 510, so you can use any 510 drip tip you choose. The included drip tip is fairly short, but with a wide bore. I liked it well enough to keep it on the tank.
The iSub APEX, when disassembled, is very easy to clean. The coil change system is still the easy “no spill” method that all iSub tanks use, so there’s no messy liquid when changing coils. However, one difference is the new way to “seat” the coil into the tank; there are little fins on the top of the coil base that must slide into corresponding slots within the tank. Before installing the coil, turn the top airflow ring counter-clockwise until it stops (this closes off the top airflow). After installing the coil, fill the tank and turn the top airflow ring clockwise until it stops. This locks the top fill hole and opens the airflow.
The Airflow System
The iSub APEX is the first iSub Tank to incorporate both a top airflow and bottom airflow system. The top airflow allows a smooth draw and maximum vapor production, while the bottom airflow provides more intense flavor. Combining both makes this iSub tank the best in the series for both flavor and vapor production. The iSub coils have always provided exceptional flavor, but this dual airflow system puts the iSub APEX on a different level. This also gives the user maximum flexibility to achieve their preferred vape.
One of the issues I had with previous iSub tanks was the lack of airflow. While the iSub S addressed the issue to a certain extent, the iSub APEX blows it away. There is a huge amount of airflow in the APEX, so much so that when both airflow slots are wide open it feels like you’re taking a deep breath of air. However, there is still enough restriction to provide excellent flavor. Finding your sweet spot for airflow is going to be easy with the iSub APEX.
The Coils
All iSub tanks use the same iSub coils. Innokin has done an amazing job keeping the coils available and at a reasonable price. You can buy a 5-pack of iSub coils for about $10 at Element Vape, and they last about 10 days for me. You won’t find many coil heads that last that long, and certainly not at that price.
The iSub APEX comes with 0.5ohm and 0.2ohm Kanthal coils. I still prefer the 0.5ohm coils for their fantastic flavor, and they produce a very dense cloud. The 0.2ohm coils are pure vapor production monsters. While the flavor is good, it’s not as good as the 0.5ohm. What the 0.2ohm coil does produce is immense clouds of vapor. If you’re a cloud chaser, you’ll want to stick to the 0.2ohm iSub coils. If you want the best flavor, use the 0.5ohm coils.
These coils are recommended for different wattage ranges. The 0.5ohm coils are for 20W to 35W, and the 0.2ohm coils are for 20W to 50W. I prefer to use the 0.5ohm coils at 30W, and the 0.2ohm coils at 45W. I suggest starting at the lower wattage and slowly increasing until you find your sweet spot. It doesn’t take long to find it.
The Bottom Line
The Innokin iSub APEX is without a doubt the best of the iSub series tanks. The build quality, dual airflow, and new top-fill method make this a truly excellent tank. I’ve owned every iSub tank, and the APEX is the first one I’ve been truly excited about. The added protection of the metal casing around the Pyrex glass is an added bonus, though I suspect Innokin designed it that way to make it easier to add the top-fill method.
The coils still provide excellent flavor and vapor production, and at a ridiculously low price. My biggest issue with Innokin is that they continue to use Kanthal coils. I would love to see some Nickel or Titanium coils added to the iSub series, but for now, we have to settle for Kanthal. That’s not a bad thing, but I’m ready for the future of coil materials.
If you want a fantastic sub-ohm tank that is stylish, produces excellent flavor and vapor, has adjustable dual airflow, and an awesome top-fill method, then the iSub APEX is for you. The price is extremely low for a tank of this quality. I highly recommend the iSub APEX.
