Before we dive in, let’s introduce a term: touch-enabled. Readers of Spinfuel VAPE have probably seen us use the term before, but never before has it been so appropriate. The quirky, but powerful AsMODus Lustro 200W touch-enabled mod is definitely a unique entity, and is worthy of your attention, even if the screen isn’t the star of the show.

Let’s take a closer look at this pretty and powerful little oddity, to see if it matches your needs for a new vape mod.

We discussed this in the preview, but we need to reiterate how much we appreciate AsMODus’ dedication to safety. Before users can ever fire the Lustro, a prompt screen comes up asking if the batteries are a matched set. Only after you confirm can you proceed.

Now, sure – if people don’t care about the warning, they can simply hit “yes” and move along. But if that momentary holdup gets newcomers or unaware vapers to think twice about battery safety, then it’s a worthwhile effort. Always use married sets of batteries, kids – you’ll thank yourself with consistent performance and predictable drain.

Moving on to the Lustro mod itself, my pearlescent white test model is a stunner – mostly due to what isn’t there: unnecessary window dressing. Instead of adding leather or textured resin to every visible surface, AsMODus kept the Lustro’s exterior pleasingly simple and unadorned. In fact, other than the signature, recessed AsMODus fire key, there’s no other branding to be found.

That’s not to say there isn’t some visual excitement on the Lustro. The long, vertical LED strip next to the screen grows and brightens as you fire, which AsMODus claims is beneficial by allowing users to gauge how long their draws are without watching the screen.

My take? They thought it looked cool, especially next to the speedometer-like display. But we’ll likely never know the true story, will we? But, while we expected to turn this feature off rather quickly, we ended up getting used to it… and maybe even liking it a little. So, who knows? Maybe AsMODus has people like us figured out.

While some would argue the mod needs a little grip, I found the smooth, uncluttered alloy frame to be extremely comfortable. The tall, squared-off design definitely helps the comfort level. I would warn against using the Lustro while wearing gloves in cold weather, or with sweaty hands, because the smooth metal surface can get slippery rather quickly.

Finally, we need to acknowledge something we didn’t even realize during the preview – there is an LED flashlight feature on the bottom of the Lustro’s body. It doesn’t turn on, unless you want it to. And it stays out of the way, so we’re not diametrically opposed to its inclusion. HOWEVER, if there were any features removed in place of a flashlight, it’s still kind of silly.

(Said the guy who’ll probably use this feature while fumbling for his keys later tonight…)

In the opening paragraph, we introduced the term “touch-enabled” but according to AsMODus, the Lustro actually senses your fingers’ motions WITHOUT having to touch the narrow, minuscule display. Well, we didn’t experience this level of interaction (despite countless attempts to be Vape Jedi) but the touch-enabled display was pretty responsive, and fairly easy to learn.

But therein lies the problem – there simply isn’t enough going on within the AsMODus Lustro firmware to justify having a touch interface in the first place. Is it nifty? Sure. Is it something different? I suppose. But does it do anything that a few buttons couldn’t do better? Not a chance. And if there’s no improvement to the vaping experience, why bother?

The speedometer-like display is a little tired in 2018, but even with the narrow real estate, the Lustro’s screen is sharp and easy to read. And the speedometer is actually pretty accurate (and dialed in with the LED light strip). On the screen, users will enjoy a cramped, but legible readout of mode, volts, resistance, puff counter, wattage, battery meter, preheat setting and more. Impressive, for the feng shui alone.

To enter the menus, users first have to swipe up on the screen, then touch their chosen path through the linear menu trees. All in all, it’s FAIRLY intuitive, if you’re experienced with vape devices. However, I imagine newcomers and easily frustrated people might struggle figuring out where they should go next to lock in adjustments.

The simple wattage and temperature adjustments are definite highlights, but making more fine-tuned setting changes is a bit cumbersome with the interface.

Finally, I need to mention one MAJOR gripe with the 510 connection. Though the connection itself is rock solid, why in the blue hell did AsMODus offset the location toward the front of the Lustro mod? The rectangular form factor just SCREAMS for a centered 510 connection, to allow for a wider range of atomizers. Instead, you’re pretty much relegated to tanks under 26mm, unless you want awkward, imbalanced overhang.

Maybe there’s a technical reason for this design decision, but I can’t imagine a centered 510 connection is that hard to achieve … especially for a mod that claims you don’t even need to touch its touchscreen.

I’ve admittedly been a little nitpicky with the AsMODus Lustro so far. But one area I can’t criticize is the absolutely stellar vape quality it offers. The proprietary GX-200 chipset not only chuckles in the face of its 200-watt limit, but it hits HARD, even on the normal preheat setting.

Ramp-up time is something we’re critiquing more and more, and mods like the Lustro are the reason why. Certain devices give you a split second before filling your face with vapor, but that’s too long for the Lustro. Instead, this little kicker bombards you with near-instant power and some of the smoothest, most potent draws I’ve experienced from a dual-18650 vape mod.

Temperature control was equally smooth, and getting basic TC coils set up is a breeze. However, should you choose to venture into the custom curve settings, remember that the tricky menu operations can make it difficult to accurately enter these inputs. Your experience may vary – mine did not.

But operating system quirks cannot take away from the fact that the AsMODus Lustro is a deceptively potent and powerful vape mod that hits as well as anything we’ve tested this year. And to make it even more attractive, the GX-200 chipset is tremendously efficient, offering roughly 6-7 hours of moderate vaping … and that’s with endless touchscreen activation, LED light bars and more. Very impressive all around.

I should have titled this review “A Tale of Two Mods.” Because the things AsMODus gets right with the Lustro – the reserved design, compact form factor, ridiculously enjoyable vape performance, etc. – is somewhat countered by the oddball quirks – strange touch interface, difficult menu trees, inexplicable 510 position — that take away from the experience a bit.

Still, if you’re more patient than me, and crave a vape mod that hits like a freight train, with amazing battery performance and a compact size, then look no further.

Score: A-