By Spinfuel Staff – May 22, 2017
The ES300 EXO-SKELETON Box Mod is a very large, very heavy, and very powerful box mod that houses three 18650 batteries and is capable of an insane 300W of power. This is SMOK’s latest flagship Box Mod, and our review team has a lot to say about it.
The ES300 EXO-SKELETON has an interesting design approach, at least for SMOK. As much as the company strives for innovation, an “Exo-Skeleton” is something we’ve seen before, although in a less refined manner. The closest mod to the ES300 EXO-SKELETON, in terms of concept, is the Wismec Reuleaux RX300. Although the Wismec mod is a box shape and the ES300 is rounded, both feature the 3×18650-battery compartment with exposed covers.
The ES300 EXO-SKELETON has the feeling of a futuristic box mod. The colors are very striking; we reviewed the Black and Red ES300, and it is a beautiful piece of hardware. The chassis is a solid Zinc Alloy. The Exo-Skeleton is not removable.
The ES300 EXO-SKELETON can be purchased as a kit with the SMOK TFV8 X-Baby Tank. This tank, as you’ll read below, is not my favorite. But, if you’re looking for a match in terms of looks, the ES300 EXO-SKELETON and X-Baby tank makes a perfect pairing. But for performance, there are better tanks. The TFV8 Cloud Beast, for instance, is a better match for high wattage vaping. Even better, the TFV12 Cloud Beast King!
THE ES300 EXO-SKELETON Box Mod
The name ES300 stands for EXO-SKELETON 300W. This mod is driven by a single chip that delivers 300W of power in an ergonomic chassis that offers plenty of ventilation for the three cells inside. The SMOK ES300 supports resistance as low as 0.06Ω in Temperature Control Mode (Ni200, Titanium, and Stainless Steel) and 0.1Ω in Variable Wattage.
The SMOK ES300 EXO-SKELETON features a large OLED display screen (1.3 inches), two adjustment buttons beneath the screen, and a large firing bar on the side of the chassis. It is not an ambidextrous device; only right-handed vapers will feel comfortable using it.
There are multiple features built into the SMOK ES300, including puff counter, TCR mode, upgradeable firmware, and multiple protections (short-circuit, over-heat, over-discharge, 12-second cutoff, and more).
ES300 EXO-SKELETON Box Mod Features:
- Requires 3x 18650 batteries (Not Included)
- Output Range: 6-300W
- Min Atomizer Resistance: 0.06ohm
- Temperature Range: 200-600F
- Supports Ni200, Titanium, and Stainless Steel Heating Elements
- Intuitive 1.3-inch OLED Display
- Enlarged Firing Bar Mechanism
- Hinge & Lock Battery Door
- Intelligent Atomizer Recognition
- Puff Monitoring System
- 12 Seconds Cut-Off
- Short Circuit Protection
- Over-Heating Protection
- Low Battery Warning
- USB Port for Firmware Upgrades
- 510 Connection
ES300 EXO-SKELETON Box Mod Specifications:
- Dimensions: 85mm by 59.3mm by 32mm
- Weight: 240g
- Material: Zinc Alloy
SMOK ES300 EXO-SKELETON – The Story
The SMOK ES300 EXO-SKELETON is a large device, but it’s not the largest by far. When it first arrived, I was shocked by how big it was; but over the week I’ve used it, the size has become less of an issue. The main issue for me, personally, is the weight of the mod with three 18650 batteries. It weighs in at 240g without batteries; with three cells, it weighs more than a pound.
This mod has a good hand feel to it, regardless of its size and weight. While the fire bar is a staple of SMOK, the fire bar for the ES300 is rather small for a mod this large. It’s also set on the right side of the mod, making it less convenient for left-handed vapers.
Battery installation is simple. Open the hinged battery door, pop in three 18650s in the correct direction, and close the door. There is no rattling of batteries either, which is nice.
I noticed some issues with the battery door when first opening the box. The door was tight and seemed to stick. After a few open and close events, the door worked fine, but if you’re getting the ES300, be aware of a possibly tight battery door.
The SMOK ES300 EXO-SKELETON Box Mod is firmware upgradeable via a micro-USB port on the front of the mod, beneath the adjustment buttons. The 510-connection is centered (always a plus) and gold-plated for maximum conductivity.
When the mod arrived, I removed the batteries from the Wismec RX300 (which was on my desk) and inserted them into the ES300. After mounting the SMOK TFV8 X-Baby Tank, I realized the X-Baby wasn’t going to work for me. The mod demanded more than the tank could provide, even with the new pre-made coils from SMOK (Q2 and M2 coils for the X-Baby). I then switched to the SMOK TFV8 Cloud Beast Tank with a 0.15Ω Quadruple coil.
The ES300 EXO-SKELETON is a good match for the TFV8 Cloud Beast, and an even better match for the TFV12 Cloud Beast King. The ES300 is designed for high wattage vaping, but it does so much more than that. The ES300 provides a smooth, regulated vape at any wattage. From 30W to 300W, expect flawless performance.
Our Vaping Experience with the ES300 EXO-SKELETON
As the review team goes, the ES300 EXO-SKELETON was passed around for a full week before each member submitted their opinion to me for inclusion in this review. Each member had something different to say, which is good. There isn’t one single opinion on the ES300.
Julia –
The size and weight of the ES300 EXO-SKELETON put me off initially. I love big mods, but this is a bit too much for me. The battery door on my sample was very hard to open for the first few times, but it soon loosened up. I used my Samsung 25R 18650s, fully charged before testing.
The 1.3-inch OLED display screen is large and vibrant. It provides all the information you need in a clear, concise manner. The adjustment buttons respond well, and I found the fire bar easy to use. The menu system is the standard SMOK menu, so there were no surprises there.
I started with the SMOK TFV8 X-Baby Tank, and while it produces good flavor and vapor, it just felt underpowered on the ES300. So, I switched to the TFV8 Cloud Beast with a 0.15-ohm coil. The ES300 truly came alive at 90W. The ramp up time with a full charge was practically instant, and the flavor and vapor production was excellent. I even pushed it to 150W for about 30 minutes, using Vape Wild e-Liquid and Glas Basix, and there was no sense of strain, hot spots, or missed hits. Very good performance.
Overall, if you like big, powerful mods, the ES300 EXO-SKELETON delivers. But the size and weight are still a factor for me. The SMOK TFV8 Cloud Beast or TFV12 Cloud Beast King are better tanks for this mod, in my opinion.
Tom –
While the ES300 is indeed big and heavy, it fits my hand perfectly. I also use the Wismec RX300, and this mod is just slightly smaller and more comfortable for me. The 1.3-inch OLED screen is probably the best feature of the ES300. All the information you need is clear and easy to read. Navigation is simple, with three clicks of the fire bar opening the menu and the adjustment buttons for navigation.
I have absolutely no complaints about the fire bar, adjustment buttons, battery door, or even the 510-connection. Everything worked exactly as it should. The firing speed is fast, even at 0.1 ohms and with a Kanthal A1 Wire in a DIY coil (on the SMOK TFV8 Cloud Beast Tank). I tried both the TFV8 Cloud Beast and the X-Baby tanks. The X-Baby is a good match for flavor, but the TFV8 Cloud Beast is better for serious cloud chasing at higher wattages. If you want 150W or more, use the TFV8 Cloud Beast, or better yet, the TFV12 Cloud Beast King.
For me, the ES300 EXO-SKELETON is an excellent device. My only minor complaint is that there is no charging port on the mod itself. This means that if you don’t have an external battery charger, you’ll have to purchase one. I always recommend using an external charger with any multiple-battery mod, but some people like the convenience of an onboard charger.
Keira –
I also found the ES300 EXO-SKELETON a bit large and heavy for my liking. It doesn’t fit my hand as well as the RX300 does. However, I agree with Tom that the 1.3-inch display screen is probably the best part of the mod. It’s very clear and easy to read, with all the important info visible at a glance.
The ergonomics of the ES300 EXO-SKELETON are a big plus. Despite its size, it feels comfortable to hold, even for longer periods. The fire bar is well placed for my right hand, and the adjustment buttons are easy to reach.
Performance-wise, the ES300 is a beast. With three fresh 18650 batteries, it fires instantly and delivers consistent power. I used the SMOK TFV8 X-Baby Tank, and while it’s a good tank, I found it restrictive for the power of the ES300. It performs better with tanks that have more airflow and larger coil heads, like the TFV8 Cloud Beast. At 80W, with Halo Tribeca E-Liquid and Vapage Vjuice Platinum Series Menthol, the mod was smooth and satisfying.
If you’re into high-wattage vaping and don’t mind a larger device, the ES300 EXO-SKELETON is a solid choice. It’s a powerful and reliable mod that will satisfy even the most demanding vapers.
Dave –
The ES300 EXO-SKELETON is a substantial mod, both in weight and size. For me, that’s a good thing. I prefer larger devices that feel solid in the hand. The build quality is excellent, with no rattles or flimsy parts. The zinc alloy chassis feels premium, and the design is eye-catching.
The 1.3-inch screen is fantastic. It’s bright, sharp, and provides all the necessary information without clutter. The menu system is intuitive, and I quickly got the hang of it. The fire bar is responsive, and the adjustment buttons have a satisfying click.
I mostly used the SMOK TFV8 X-Baby Tank on the ES300, and while some of my colleagues felt it was underpowered for the mod, I found the combination worked well for my everyday vaping at around 60-70W. The ramp-up time is quick, and the vape is always smooth and consistent. I also tried it with a TFV8 Cloud Beast, pushing it to 120W, and the performance was stellar. No lag, no misfires, just pure power. Using Black Note e-liquid, the flavor was exceptional.
Battery life with three 18650s is phenomenal. I could easily go two days of heavy vaping without needing to recharge. If you’re looking for a powerful, well-built, and long-lasting mod, the ES300 EXO-SKELETON is an excellent option, especially for vapers who appreciate a substantial device.
Conclusion
The SMOK ES300 EXO-SKELETON Box Mod is exactly what we expected from SMOK: a powerful, well-designed, and feature-rich device. It’s a great choice for vapers who enjoy high-wattage vaping and appreciate the ergonomics of a larger, more substantial mod.
While the size and weight might be a deterrent for some, those who appreciate a solid, powerful device will find a lot to love here. The 1.3-inch OLED screen is a standout feature, providing clear and comprehensive information. Performance is top-notch, with instant ramp-up and consistent power delivery.
The lack of an onboard charging option is a minor drawback, but for safety and longevity of batteries, an external charger is always recommended anyway. Pairing it with a high-performance tank like the TFV8 Cloud Beast or TFV12 Cloud Beast King truly unleashes its full potential.
The ES300 EXO-SKELETON is a flagship device that lives up to its name. If you’re in the market for a triple-18650, 300W beast, this mod should definitely be on your shortlist.
WHERE TO BUY
The ES300 EXO-SKELETON is available at the following retailers: