When we reviewed the original iTaste 134, we pointed out that while it was a great device to use, it was a little too large, and a little too cumbersome to use as an all day vape. It was meant to be used at home, or at social gatherings, and it was certainly a talking point, but it wasn’t a device that most wouldn’t use on a daily basis.
Thankfully, Innokin listened to the masses and heard their cries for a smaller version of the iconic iTaste 134. After a few months of planning and development, the iTaste 134 Mini was born.
Like the original, the iTaste 134 Mini is a solid device, it’s well built, durable, and packed with enough features that makes it stand out from the rest.
What Is It?
The iTaste 134 Mini is a variable wattage APV that allows you to change the wattage setting simply by rotating a knurled dial. There’s no screens, no menus, just a simple rotation of the dial. The wattage can be adjusted between 6.5w and 12.5w.
This particular model uses a single 18350 battery, which does allow Innokin to make the device smaller, but it also impacts the battery life dramatically. However, it still maintains the infamous ‘light saber’ look, just at a size closer to that of the iTaste SVD.
The iTaste 134 Mini is built like a tank. It’s made from stainless steel, so it feels solid and strong in your hand. If you’re looking for a device that can take a beating, and continue to work as you’d expect for many years over the years, this device is a must-have.
The iTaste 134 Mini Kit
The iTaste 134 Mini comes in a very classy box with a viewing window. You’re able to see the device through the window without ever opening the box, which is a nice touch. The kit also includes the new iClear XI, which means you can use the device right out of the box.
What’s Included:
- 1x iTaste 134 Mini (obviously)
- 1x iClear XI Atomizer
- 1x Drip Tip
- 1x Beauty Ring
- 1x Manual
Using the iTaste 134 Mini
The iTaste 134 Mini works the same way as the original. There are no screens and no menu options to choose from. It’s just a simple case of click the fire button on/off, and rotating the dial to change the wattage. Simple, yet effective. We haven’t been able to figure out how to do it.
To power on the device, press the fire button 3 times within 2 seconds. The LED will blink green 3 times. To power off the device, press the fire button 3 times within 2 seconds. The LED will blink white 3 times. The LED will glow green when it’s powered on.
To change the wattage setting, rotate the knurled dial to the wattage of your choice. A small arrow indicates which wattage setting the device is currently on, and the LED will glow to indicate that the arrow is in the same position as the current wattage.
As a variable wattage device, you’re not able to change the voltage, which isn’t a huge problem, as it does the calculations automatically, but it would have been a fantastic feature to include.
For the full details on how to use the iTaste 134 Mini, check out the manual here.
What We Liked
Despite being a large device, it fits comfortably in your hand, and doesn’t feel like it’s going to slip out of your hands at any time. It feels good and solid, and it’s just a great feeling device in your hand.
The knurled dial works flawlessly, and you’re able to change the wattage settings very easily. The dial has just the right amount of resistance, which means that you’re not accidentally changing the wattage when you’re holding it, without accidentally changing the setting.
The overall look and feel of the iTaste 134 Mini is almost identical to the full size version, which is the original iTaste 134.
Battery life is also excellent. Using an Efest 18350 700mAh battery, we were able to get over a full day of vaping, using the iClear XI atomizer that’s included in the kit. Of course, that is, until we changed to an RBA.
Using the iClear XI that’s included in the kit is a nice atomizer to use. It provides a decent amount of vapor, and the flavor is strong as well. If you’re a fan of bottom coil atomizers, and you’re used to the Innokin iClear series, then you’re going to like the XI, and it’s a nice little atomizer to use on the iTaste 134 Mini.
What We Didn’t Like
Despite Innokin making a smaller device, it’s still relatively large. While it does fit in your hand comfortably, it’s not something you can just slip into your pocket. Think about the size of a flashlight, and that’s what you’re looking at.
Using an 18350 battery is good for variable wattage, but it does mean that you’ll be changing batteries a lot more than you’d expect. This is a compromise that Innokin has to make to make the device smaller, but it does have an impact not only on battery life, but on performance.
One of the things we didn’t like about the original iTaste 134 was the huge beauty ring that came with it. It made the device look even larger than it was, and this device has the exact same issue.
Having a 510/eGo connection with no removable top cap, means that you’re only able to use 22mm atomizers, which does limit your choices dramatically, and so you’re stuck with the same atomizer for a long time.
The Bottom Line
The iTaste 134 Mini is definitely an improvement on the original iTaste 134. If you’ve been looking at the full size version, and thought it was just too big, then the Mini is for you, and you’ll be much happier with the smaller size.
If you’re already a fan of the iTaste 134, and you’re looking for a smaller version to use for all day vaping, then don’t bother. This device isn’t going to change your habits, it just doesn’t make sense to get the smaller version.
The iTaste 134 Mini is a well-built device that will certainly last you for many years. If you’re looking for an iconic, yet smaller APV that will stand the test of time, then the iTaste 134 Mini is a device you need to get.
If you’re looking for a device that uses a single 18350 battery, and you want something that will last you for a long time, then we highly recommend the iTaste 134 Mini. Pick one up today, and you’ll be happy you decided to try it out.